The brother of murdered Garda Tony Golden has paid an emotional tribute to him at his funeral Mass, describing a man who showed the same love and care for everyone in his life that his parents had passed on to him.
Patrick Golden said his older brother Anthony, "better known as Tony or 'Tonester'", had protected him and looked out for him when he was young.
He had wrapped his wife Nicola and their three young children Lucy, Alex and Andrew in the same embrace, he told mourners at this afternoon's service in St Oliver Plunkett's Church in Blackrock, Co Louth.
“As I was thinking what to say today, I was speechless, just as most people have been since the news of Tony’s passing broke last Sunday,” he said.
“Some words immediately come to mind such as hero, gentle giant, family man, caring, rock, and idol.
“These words cannot explain how good of a man he was and how much we all love him.
‘Never led astray’
“As a child growing up I always looked up to Tony in every way. He made me feel so secure and protected. He always looked out for me and ensured I was never led astray.
“He would go out of the way to ensure I was always safe. This was Tony’s nature, as he treated all his family and friends in the same way.
“Tony has made Nicola and the children feel the same way over the last eight to nine years. The same applies to the communities in which he has been stationed as a garda.
“This has been shown by Tony’s bravery last Sunday evening. He lost his life in an attempt to protect two other individuals, and this has cost him dearly,” he added in reference to the gun attack at a house near Omeath village in Co Louth that claimed his life last Sunday evening.
Best man
“I was never so proud a few years ago [as] when he asked me to be his best man. Little did I think that such a short time later I’d be speaking at his funeral.
“But today I am still so proud to stand here and call him my big brother.
"It was such a short life. But he has achieved so much during that time; from his sporting achievements where he graced Croke Park with Ballina Stephenites and Mayo to his marriage to Nicola and births of his three beautiful children.
“Tony was a great family man and father. He adored Nicola and his children. He cared for Lucy, Alex and Andrew in such a loving way, just as he was reared by our mum and dad.
“The qualities Tony possessed were nurtured in our family home.”
Very grateful
Patrick Golden added the entire family was very grateful to everyone who had helped them since last Sunday’s events, including friends, clergy, the community, and his brother’s colleagues.
“I would especially like to thank Kevin, Tony’s friend and colleague, who had the very difficult task of calling to Tony’s family home and later phoning me to inform us of this tragedy.”
He said all of the support from so many people was “greatly appreciated” before concluding with emotional remarks addressed to his dead brother.
“Tony, you will be greatly missed by all. You will never be forgotten.
“Goodbye Anthony my brother, husband, father, son and hero.”
