The sense of loss felt by the family and colleagues of Garda Michael Padden, who was killed in the line of duty early on Sunday, was shared by every right-thinking decent person in the State, mourners were told at the removal of his body last evening. Eithne Donnellan reports
Garda Padden (27), from Belmullet, Co Mayo, was one of two gardaí killed when a stolen car hit their patrol car on the Stillorgan dual carriageway in Dublin.
Garda Padden and Garda Anthony Tighe (53), from Dublin, were based at Donnybrook Garda station. Garda Padden is survived by his mother Angela, who was unable to travel to Dublin for his removal. He was her only child. His father died some years ago.
The removal of Garda Tighe, a father of four, will take place this evening.
After receiving Garda Padden at Mount Argus church, Garda chaplain Father Joe Kennedy told the hundreds of mourners that the Garda Síochána had a difficult and at times dangerous role in our in society. "Very often we take them for granted and when a tragedy such as what happened yesterday morning occurs, we realise just what an important and necessary part they play in the guarding and preservation of peace in our country."
Garda Padden had "paid the ultimate price" by giving his life while on duty.
Among the large attendance were the Deputy Commissioner Noel Conroy and Assistant Garda Commissioners Tony Hickey and Fachtna Murphy. Also present was Maj Gen Jim Sreenan, deputy chief of staff of the Defence Forces. The President, Mrs McAleese, was represented by her aide de camp, Comdt Tom Boyce.