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Tuesday January 29, 2013

Shock As Garda Shot Dead During Armed Raid

Specialists from the Garda Forensic and Technical Bureau are examining the scene at the Lordship Credit Union (Photocall)

A Garda detective has been shot dead during an armed robbery of a Credit Union in Co. Louth - the first murder of a police man on duty in Ireland in almost 17 years.

Adrian Donoghue, a 41 year old married father of two, whose wife is also a Garda, was shot in the head at point blank range while escorting cash from the credit union.

A cross-border crime gang, based in South Armagh/Louth, is the main suspect - they got away with just €4,000.

President Michael D Higgins said he was deeply shocked to learn that Det Garda Donohoe had been shot dead.

Mr Higgins described the killing as "a dreadful crime" and said all Irish people "will be truly appalled by it."

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said "it was an outrageous act of cold-blooded violence that has left a family without a husband and father, and gardaí without a brave and valued member."

The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter described it as a brutal and callous murder, that was carried out in cold blood and there was no excuse for what happened.

He pledged the full support of the Government and all right-thinking people in bringing those responsible to justice.

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said Detective Donoghue was "a very popular member of An Garda Síochána, a very efficient member, someone who was revered both by his peers and members of the community where he served."

"This is a cry for help for An Garda Síochána and for wider society - and indeed society needs to make some choices here," Garda Commissioner Martin said while visiting Dundalk Garda Station, where Donohue was based.

It emerged on Sunday that a colleague of Det Donoghue's was held at gunpoint by the gang while they carried out the robbery after they shot the slain garda.

Over 100 gardai are now involved in the investigation, and members of the force from all over the country have offered to come to the area to help out.

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