President and Taoiseach to attend State funeral of Garda Tony Golden

Thousands of gardaí, dignitaries and members of the public will gather in Co Louth today for the state funeral of Garda Tony Golden.

The 36-year-old father-of-three was fatally shot last Sunday night in the Mullach Alainn estate in Omeath as he was helping a woman who made a complaint of domestic abuse.

The family of Siobhan Phillips, who was critically injured in the shooting, have expressed their gratitude for his bravery.

Garda Golden is survived by his wife Nicola, his children Lucy, Alex and Andrew, parents Breege and David, brothers David, Kenneth, Patrick and Seán, sister Mary, parents-in-law Tony and Iris, sisters-in-law Majella, Laura, Aisling and Tara, brother-in-law Jonathan, as well as his family, friends and colleagues in the Force.

President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be in attendance, and all Dáil business has been suspended for the day as a mark of respect.

The removal will take place today to St. Oliver Plunkett Church, Blackrock, arriving for funeral Mass at 12 noon, followed by private burial at St Paul's, Heynestown (family flowers only).

Donations can be made to the North Louth Hospice and Homecare Foundation, The Ramparts, Dundalk, Co. Louth or on MyCharity.ie.