There will be intense competition for the two positions of deputy Garda commissioners, which are expected to attract applications from both within the force and outside the organisation.

In what will be the biggest Garda shakeup in many years, more than 30 superintendents and seven chief superintendents are to be appointed in the coming days.

Around a dozen senior appointments are to be made in the force before Christmas in a bid to fill vacancies that riddle the Garda top brass.

A garda who died following a tragic shooting incident was remembered at his requiem Mass as a kind, thoughtful and outgoing young man who loved his job and treated all people with respect.