FORCE OF SORROW

GARDA Commissioner Drew Harris was among mourners at a service last night for tragic traffic cop Kevin Flatley, who died after being knocked down by a motorbike.

- DANNY DE VAAL & LOUISE BURNE

The ceremony, which was attended by serving and retired colleagues of Garda Flatley, took place at Dublin Castle and was led by Garda chaplains Fr Joe Kennedy and Reverend David Pierpoint.

Gda Flatley, who was a Roads Policing Officer based out of Dublin Castle, became the 90th officer to die on duty in Ireland after he was struck on the R132 at Lissenhall near Swords while conducting a speed checkpoint on Sunday afternoon.

Colleagues rushed to the scene along with emergency services - along with an off-duty doctor who did his best to try and save Gda Flatley on the roadside.

But tragically, the officer, who has 26 years of experience in the force, was declared dead at the scene.

Speaking ahead of yesterday's service, Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said: "Naturally enough, we are devastated at the tragic loss of one of our well-respected Garda family members.

POIGNANT

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Una and his two young daughters and also to his mother and father and extended family and friends." During an interview with RTE, he added: "It's very poignant, I'm currently here in the Garda memorial section of the gardens in Dublin Castle.

"It's right next door to the Dublin Regional Policing Offices where Kevin would have worked with his colleagues.