'A coach, a family man, a great guard' - Touching tributes as Garda Kevin Flatley laid to rest

The funeral mass for Garda Kevin Flatley who was killed while on duty last weekend took place at St. Peter and Paul's Church in Balbriggan, Dublin on Friday afternoon. 

The 49-year-old was tragically killed after being struck by a motorcycle while conducting speed checks on the old N1 in Dublin on Sunday, 11 May.

Since his death, tributes have poured in from across the country for the well respected Garda who served An Garda Síochána for over 26 years.

President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris were in attendance at the funeral while gardaí lined the streets outside the church for a guard of honour as well young members of the local O'Dwyers GAA club which Garda Kevin was an avid member and coach.

Father John McNamara and Father Dan Joe O'Mahony, a friend of Kevin's, welcomed the packed church and extended their thanks to Kevin's family for their kindness and grace in recent days despite their grief and the difficult circumstances they have been dealt. 

Kevin has left behind his wife Úna, their two daughters Erin and Aoife, his parents Michael and Breda, brother John and extended family.

The Presentation of Symbols within the service gave a glimpse into the type of person Garda Kevin was. Among the cherished items brought up to the alter by gardaí and members of his beloved O'Dwyers GAA Club were Kevin's hurl, his fiddle, an O'Dwyers club jersey, a simple chocolate bar and the family Bible. 

Having known Kevin personally, Fr O'Mahony led the touching tributes to the Garda. The priest sombrely said: "I've seen so many in tears the last few days, it's something when you see a guard crying. That does something to you."

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Fr O'Mahony told the church that he had the pleasure of working with Kevin closely for over 15 years through the community policing in Blanchardstown. He described Kevin as: "One of the most helpful gentlemen you could meet. A coach, a family man, a great guard who left no stone unturned in his duty of care."

He said that Kevin was admired and well respected within the Blanchardstown community. He also urged people to be more mindful when behind the wheel of their cars, before concluding "we are indebted to him."

A colleague and close friend of Kevin's, Rosanna from the Blanchardstown Garda Station, also bravely stood to deliver an emotional tribute to him and a testament to his character as a garda, family man and friend. 

Rosanna said that Kevin's wife Úna and daughters Erin and Aoife "never imagined that when Kevin went to work that he would not return home." Since then, their lives "were changed forever."

Kevin joined An Garda Síochána in 1998 after studying Electrical Engineering in DIT. He started his career in Pearse Street Garda Station where Rosanna said he was a "valued member of his unit and well-respected by his colleagues." He then moved to Blanchardstown in 2002. 

Rosanna said that his love of helping people extended far beyond the workplace. She said he was always the "first to put his hand up to volunteer," whether this was with the Special Olympics or with O'Dwyers GAA.

She spoke of his love for his two daughters and family, his job in An Garda Síochána, all things sport and fitness, music and continuous learning. 

Rosanna said: "Kevin is represented here today by many family members. Kevin was adored by everyone in his family. The loss they are experiencing is heartbreaking."

Through tears, Rosanna concluded: "Kevin's memory will never be forgotten. He is forever in his children's, family's and friend's hearts. Kevin will always be cherished by everyone who knew him."