Garda Golden’s funeral: A powerful expression of solidarity

THAT thousands of people, including more than 2,000 gardaí in uniform, as well as President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny, attended the funeral of murdered Garda Tony Golden in Blackrock, Co Louth, yesterday afternoon should not surprise anyone.

Such an expressive, supportive attendance illustrates core values this society cherishes and will not easily make concessions on. The attendance was a statement of clear intent as much as it was an expression of deeply felt and widespread sympathy.

It was above all an indication of solidarity, a solidarity with the police force that through thick and thin, and despite too many undermining scandals and an unshakeable conservatism within the force, serves and protects this society very well.