The village of Blackrock, Co. Louth has come to a standstill for the State funeral of Garda Tony Golden.
The 36 year old father of three is the 88th Garda to lose his life in the line of duty.
Tide coming in in front of church, as a sea of blue await the cortège for Garda Golden's funeral pic.twitter.com/YneA8FcnRa
— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) October 15, 2015
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and President Michael D Higgins are attending, and flags on state buildings are at half mast, as a mark of respect.
President Michael D and Sabina Higgins have arrived at St Oliver Plunketts Church pic.twitter.com/jadq8p9nYk
— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) October 15, 2015
Thousands of serving and retired Gardai are expected to attend
Garda Golden, was shot dead on Sunday evening. He was bringing a Siobhan Phillips who had been assaulted by her partner to her home to collect her personal belongings.
She was also shot in the incident and remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny arrives at St Oliver Plunketts Church pic.twitter.com/skS4VeRxHf
— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) October 15, 2015
Chief celebrant parish priest Father Padraig Keenan will be joined on the altar by the vicar general of the Armagh diocese Dean Colum Curry, who is representing the Primate of All Ireland, Bishop Eamon Martin.
Music at the Mass will be performed by organist Brendan McCourt, soloist Sarah McCourt, who will be accompanied by the Garda Choir.
