It has only been two years, but already the annual candlelight walk in memory of Adrian Donohoe has the feel of a deeply embedded tradition.

A detective shot dead during a credit union robbery in Louth was a virtuous man who was a perfect role model for the rest of society, his state funeral heard today.

The murder of a detective during a credit union hold-up has today been branded an attack on the State by Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

Gardaí have issued a stark warning to criminals on the fringes of the gang that murdered Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe: Come forward or face a 40-year jail term along with the killers.

Gardaí said there was “no doubt” the killers of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe knew he was a garda when they shot him dead without warning.