As a Louth man I am shamed and appalled by the senseless murder of Adrian. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word, and a real public servant who took pride in being of service.
I feel that politicians and, to a lesser extent the Gardai, have failed to appreciate the huge sense of loss, empathy and outrage there is in the collective heart of the Irish people right now. There is a real and palpable sense of shared grief between the community and our overstretched and underfunded police force, who are all too often the target of the boo boys.
I think that if the Government persist with their plans to close down small rural stations, it will be a retrograde step and one that will result in the creation of the most benign conditions for a geometric increase in criminal activity.
Surely now is not the time for this debate. Adrian’s murder is a watershed moment in Irish history, and we as a Nation should mark it as such. The demands of the troika are not as important to the Irish People right now as feeling safe in their homes.
Adrian gave his life for his country by putting himself in harm’s way for the greater good. We as a Nation are sickened and saddened and still reeling from the shock, but we are proud too! We are proud that this country still has the capacity to produce men of Adrian’s calibre. It is because of men and women of this rare quality that we can all sleep just that little bit easier at night.
I believe that we should build on this unprecedented ground swelling of positivity toward the Gardai and as a people honour the memory of our fallen hero Adrian by developing a new and higher level of trust and cooperation between the Irish people and the Gardai, who shouldn’t have to put their lives on the line for us to prove their commitment and loyalty, and who should be able to go home to their families after a day’s work.
We can all play our part even in our local neighbourhood watch, being more involved, vigilant and caring about those who live alone or who are infirm, don’t wait for someone else to do it, just do it. The gift of kindness blesses both the giver and recipient. Offer a lift into town to the neighbour waiting in the rain at the bus stop. Every one of us can make a small difference; we don’t have to go the “extra mile”, often a single step is enough.
I appeal to everyone, please do not let this goodwill and positive social momentum be wasted. Smarter people than I will have ideas how to take that momentum, channel it and give it direction.
Finally I would like to ask if there are like-minded people out there who would like to to help me set up set a perpetual award for “Citizen of the Year” in Adrian’s name to honour his memory, his family and the community he served so well and so selflessly.
Sean Kelly

I expect the TDs & Ministers will hire a bus to transport them to the funeral, rather than every one of them claiming massive expenses separately…….that should save a huge amount of money that could be used to resource an Garda Siochana better….

This turns my stomach. The shower of opportunistic leeches turning up to make themselves look as though they care.
This man was brutally murdered in the line of duty and the very least we can do is to allow his Family ,colleauges and friends the privacy to grieve the sad and untimely loss.

Feel deeply sorry for his family but why do a bunch of politicians need to attend his funeral ?

Apparently Det. Donohue was scheduled to appear on Crimecall tonight in relation to crimes committed around Dundalk. What a cruel twist of faith that he’ll still feature in the program =(

Seriously people, can you not give it a break and quit trying to politicise something this awful?

First things first, it’s a State Funeral, so that means the family have given their permission for all who wish to attend to do so. Therefore, lay-off the bashing of TDs who will attend.

Secondly, as I will not be in a position to go to the funeral, I think I can say that my elected representatives will be representing me there tomorrow, which is a good thing for them to do on my (and your) behalf.

It’s time to bring back the death penalty for the murder of a Garda . The Irish Government is too tolerant of murderers who when caught will get only a few years in Jail at significant expense to the Irish taxpayers. Lets have a Referendum on the death penalty!

Pick a different thread to bash them on every right minded person would agree that it’s the place of the government to attend to show the solidarity and revulsion shown by the whole country

Privacy and respect is what his family need now, not a bunch of hypocrites showing up and trying to look good for themselves..!

I think our priority is the Donahue family whose father /husband paid the ultimate price for his role in upholding the security of the state.

Anyone else in the whole country being given a day off with full pay to attend this funeral? Condolences to this mans family, but I fail to see why politicians are being given a day off for it, especially in the same week they are voting to close 95 Garda stations, are they trying to take the absolute píss out of us or something?

Ah yes idleness from the political elite for a few hours. That will help a lot. Sure say an aul Hail Mary or two while your at it.

Why did thu know him