Kevin Flatley remembered as a 'family man' and 'a great garda' at funeral

The coffin of Garda Kevin Flatley is carried in to St Peter and Paul's Church. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The funeral of Garda Kevin Flatley, who died in the line of duty, has heard he was a "valued member of An Garda Síochána” who was always helping people inside and outside of work and will be “greatly missed”.

Speaking at the funeral mass, his colleague Garda Rosanna Caul said: “His family and friends are truly grateful for the privilege of having shared a life with him. He is forever in his children, family and friends’ hearts.

“He’ll always be cherished by everyone who knew him.” 

Garda Flatley, a 49-year-old father of two, was killed when he was struck by a motorbike while at a speed checkpoint last Sunday.

Dozens of gardaí and members of his local GAA club O’Dwyers lined the streets outside of St Peter and Paul’s Church in the north Dublin suburb prior to the funeral cortege passing by just before 1.30pm.

Garda motorcycles led the funeral cortege on the way to the church, with Garda Flatley’s friends and family walking behind the hearse.

Two gardaí, one bearing the Irish flag and another bearing a flag with the symbol of An Garda Síochána, led the hearse into the church grounds as the church bells began to ring. Big screens erected outside the church allowed those unable to be inside to view proceedings.

President Michael D Higgins was among the State dignitaries in attendance, along with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.

Kevin Flatley had spent 26 years as a garda. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Members of Garda Flatley’s family embraced the president shortly after his coffin was brought into the church.

Prior to the start of the funeral mass, the Irish flag was draped over Garda Flatley’s coffin by a team of ceremonial gardaí with his Garda hat and gloves placed atop it.

His colleague Garda Rosanna Caul said that his family were grateful to everyone who had supported him since last Sunday and said this would “never be forgotten”.

She described him as a very active man, who loved his wife and children.

“He loved his family on the sideline cheering him on,” she said. “It always helped him get to the finish line.

“When I worked with Kevin, he’d constantly encourage me to push myself. He took this into his coaching in O’Dwyers. Kevin was never happier than when he was supporting his girls, playing and enjoying the game with their friends. Participation, teamwork and being part of the community.

“He's safe in the knowledge that the club and the game will remain part of his girl’s lives.” 

Beginning the service, Fr John McNamara welcomed attendees, including Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and President Higgins. He also welcomed the family of Garda Flatley, his wife Una, his daughters Erin and Aoife, his parents Michael and Breda and his brother John.

“We extend our very sincere sympathy to you, your family and your good friends,” Fr McNamara said, singling out their kindness and praising them as “wonderful people”.

He also referenced Garda Flatley’s colleagues, and said Kevin was “such a proud member for so many years”.

Speaking after the delivery of the gospel, Father Dan Joe O’Mahony spoke about Garda Flatley while also delivering a road safety message.

“I’ve seen so many in tears the last few days,” he said. 

It’s something to see a garda crying. It does something to you.

“[Garda Flatley was] one of the most helpful gentlemen you could meet. A coach. A family man. A great garda. Left no stone unturned in his duty of care.” 

Fr O’Mahony said he dealt with Garda Flatley during his work in Blanchardstown and said he was well respected in the area.

Symbols were brought forward by friends and family including a hurl, an O’Dwyer’s GAA top, a fiddle, books, a Bible and a chocolate bar.

Earlier, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris led a garda formation to McNally’s funeral home in Balbriggan where the body of Garda Flatley was then brought to the church.

“I’ve seen so many in tears the last few days,” he said. 

Garda Flatley will soon be escorted by colleagues from road policing to burial in Newcastle pic.twitter.com/slsw3QKQL0

— Cormac O'Keeffe (@CormacJOKeeffe) May 16, 2025

After the funeral service, the flag was taken off the coffin and presented to Garda Flatley’s wife, Una.

The funeral is being followed by his burial in his first home of Newcastle, Co Dublin.

Garda Flatley is the 90th member of An Garda Síochána to be killed while on duty.