Sir, – I have just returned from the funeral of Det Garda Adrian Donohoe in Dundalk, where I was honoured to have heard the words spoken by Fr Michael Cusack at the Mass.
Fr Cusack must have touched the hearts and minds of all with his words, which exemplified the feelings of all God-fearing members of our society.
It would be well worthwhile to have his words in their entirety printed for all to read.
They typified the thoughts that have been etched in our memory since the awful deeds of Friday night last.
I need say no more, other than to express sincerely, heartfelt wishes to the extended family of the deceased garda and to the people of Dundalk who, by their wonderful support, have sent a clear message to the perpetrators that they do not want them in their society. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – The appalling and cowardly murder of Det Garda Adrian Donohoe very closely resembles the equally awful killing of Det Jerry McCabe in Adare in 1996. At the time there was widespread condemnation of, and revulsion at, that killing. I thought then that the organisation that killed Det McCabe, and its political front, would be rejected by the Irish people.
I was wrong. Two of the leaders of that organisation when Det McCabe was killed now sit in Dáil Éireann. The unpalatable truth is that a section of Irish people is unfortunately prepared to tolerate the obscene brutality of criminals and terrorists. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Over the past few years they slashed his salary, his overtime, restructured his roster, and declined to upgrade his equipment to do his job properly.
When he was murdered they gave him a State funeral, their concern, their time (expenses inclusive).
All I can give are my sympathies and wonder? – Yours, etc,