State funeral for Garda Tony Golden takes place today

The State funeral of Garda Tony Golden, who was shot dead while responding to a domestic dispute, will be held in Co Louth today.

Garda Golden's remains will be removed from his home, which he shared with his wife Nicola and three children, Lucy, Alex and Andrew, and brought to St Oliver Plunkett Church in Blackrock near Dundalk.

The funeral Mass will be held at noon before his burial at St Paul’s in Heynestown. The 36-year-old’s funeral notice describes Garda Golden as an “adored dad”, “beloved husband” and a “dedicated member of An Garda Síochána”.

President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste Joan Burton, Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald and gardaí from across the country are among the hundreds of mourners expected to attend.

The Dáil and Seanad will not sit and the Oireachtas has cancelled all committee meetings for the day as a mark of respect to Garda Golden.

Fr Pádraig Keenan, the parish priest of Haggardstown, will be the chief celebrant.

He will be joined by Bishop John Fleming from the Diocese of Killala and Fr Gerard O'Hora, the parish priest of Ballina.

Born in Mayo

Garda Golden was born in Ballina, Co Mayo, to David and Breege Golden, and attended St Muredach’s College.

He had served as a garda for more than 10 years in several divisions.

The church in Blackrock, which can seat about 300 people, is reserved for Garda Golden’s family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries.

Screens will be erected outside the church grounds to allow others to observe the service. The family has requested that the burial be private.

They have asked that any donations be made to the North Louth Hospice and Homecare Foundation, The Ramparts, Dundalk, Co Louth.