LAST UPDATE | 18 Jun 2020

TRIBUTES HAVE POURED in from the GAA community after the death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, a member of Mayo club Charlestown, who died in a tragic shooting last night in Castlerea.

A member of the force for 24 years, Horkan was a former Mayo U21 and Charlestown Sarsfields footballer, he was known affectionately as ‘The Bear’ to team-mates on the GAA field. Following his playing career, Horkan remained heavily involved in the Sarsfields club.

Tributes have poured in for the slain officer. Mayo GAA extended their sympathies to his family and friends, adding that he “represented Mayo at U21 level also served his club @CharlestownGAA with distinction for many years.”

Current player Tom Parsons, a club-mate with Charlestown, described him as ‘an incredibly loved and respected man’.

Our GAA community & beyond are absolutely heartbroken to tragically lose our friend and brother Colm, an incredibly loved & respected man in our community. RIP https://t.co/1OfTeiGFUr

— Tom Parsons (@TomParsons_8) June 18, 2020

Everyone at Coiste Chontae Mhaigheo would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the family & friends of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Colm who represented Mayo at U21 level also served his club @CharlestownGAA with distinction for many years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) June 18, 2020

GAA President John Horan also extended his sympathies.

“The strength of the GAA is based on the strength of our volunteers and the commitment they make to serve their community, and Colm Horkan had those selfless qualities in abundance.

“He is fondly remembered by his friends in Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club where he not only played, but where he continued to help and serve in a wide range of roles off the field.

“His commitment to others came naturally to him, and was an obvious asset in his role as a Garda. On behalf of the GAA, our deepest condolences to his family, his club, his community and the membership of An Garda Síochana.”

Tributes were also expressed by several other figures in the GAA.

Terribly Sad News this morning. Thoughts with his family, friends & colleagues. RIP https://t.co/vqAOD7yHYq

— Aidan O'Shea (@AIDOXI) June 18, 2020

A dark cloud hangs over our Country this morning after events in Castlerea last night. My heart goes out to the Guards family,Community and Colleagues 🇮🇪 RIP

— David Brady (@D9BMayo) June 18, 2020

Anyone who knew Garda Colm Horkan liked him. That broad smile was never off his face. A genuinely warm, positive and fun-loving man. Always a buzz when you met him. A real cornerstone of #mayogaa removed too young and without rhyme or reason. May he rest in peace.

— Liam Horan (@HoranLiam) June 18, 2020

To our friend, team mate and rock. Dectective @colmhork01 . Taken way too soon. Our club @CharlestownGAA and Community are broken.💔💔💔 rest easy Bear

— John casey (@Johncasey14mayo) June 18, 2020

Jesus this is shocking news ..knew Colm growing up through GAA and nights out in Charlestown, he was such a lovely fella.
My deepest sympathies to his family, to his friends, all his @GardaTraffic colleagues & all the in @CharlestownGAA

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. https://t.co/xmBxQEQmID

— Eamonn O’ Hara (@EamonnOHara8) June 18, 2020

Desperately sad news. Responding to an incident and his life taken so needlessly. RIP COLM🙏 https://t.co/QU55gBdAds

— Conor.mortimer (at🏡 )⚽️ (@Conmort) June 18, 2020

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