Hundreds gather for Garda's funeral

Hundreds of mourners gathered today for the funeral of Garda Michael Padden at Shanaghy Church on the Mullet peninsula in Belmullet, Co Mayo.

Garda Padden was killed, along with Garda Tony Tighe, at the weekend after a stolen Mazda slammed into the side of their patrol car at 120mph as they blocked a junction.

Garda Padden’s mother, Marian, was at the Mass, which was led by the recently-ordained Bishop of Killala, Dr John Fleming. Her husband, Michael John, a former Garda officer, died some years ago.

Mourners spilled out of the overflowing church and extra chairs were brought to the grounds allowing elderly mourners to listen to the ceremony through speakers outside.

Following the Mass, Garda Padden was laid to rest at Emlybeg cemetery, five miles away.

Father-of-four Garda Tighe was buried at Newlands Cross cemetery yesterday, following a funeral mass at Mount Argus.