Hundreds of gardai and members of the public attended the removal of the body of Sgt Andrew Callanan to the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Bray yesterday evening.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, and the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, led the official mourners, who heard the late Sgt Callanan described as "an inspiration to us all". The President, Mrs McAleese, was represented by her aide-de-camp, Comdt Dermot O'Connor. The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, was also present.
Mourners, who awaited the arrival of Sgt Callanan's body in glorious summer sunshine, gathered in small groups, still expressing their sorrow and horror at the manner of the sergeant's death.
The hearse was preceded by a Garda motorcycle procession as it made its way to the church. The coffin and hearse were covered in floral tributes.
Father George Begley told the congregation that "the whole nation has united in expressing grief and horror at Andy's death. Andy's life and death which has touched so many will be an inspiration to us all in being diligent and faithful in our line of duty".
The former Taoiseach, Mr Liam Cosgrave, was among the first of the mourners to arrive. The Garda Commissioner, Mr Patrick Byrne, arrived shortly afterwards, along with Deputy Commissioners Noel Conroy and Peter Fitzgerald and Assistant Commissioner Jim McHugh. Chief Supt Facthna Murphy of the Criminal Assets Bureau and the bureau legal officer, Mr Barry Galvin, were also present.
Among the politicians present were the Tipperary TDs Mr Michael O'Kennedy and Mr Michael Lowry. Mr Conor Lenihan TD, Ms Liz McManus TD and Ms Mary Hanafin TD also attended. The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, was accompanied by the secretary-general of the Department, Mr Tim Dalton, and the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, also attended.
Sgt Callanan will be buried today with full State honours at Springfield Cemetery in Ballywaltrim, Bray, after 12 p.m. Requiem Mass. Uniformed gardai will march behind his coffin along the two-mile route from the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer to the cemetery.
The coffin will be draped with the Tricolour and a large guard of honour will be formed by uniformed colleagues from divisions around the State.
Officers from the RUC are also expected to attend. The Garda Band and the Garda Choir are likely to provide the music for the Mass.
Sgt Callanan is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and his three children, Stephen (5), Sophie (2) and Jennifer (2). His father, Denis, and his five sisters, Helen, Rita, Siobhan, Kate and Mary also survive him.
A Garda spokeswoman said last night that the man suspected of killing Sgt Callanan was expected to spend another week in St James's Hospital. The spokeswoman said the suspect had undergone skin grafts and other treatment for burns he sustained in the fire which killed Sgt Callanan. The suspect is under armed guard at the hospital.
