DONEGAL TD and SF Justice spokesman Padraig Mac Lochlainn has condemned last night’s brutal murder of a Garda detective.
The fatal shooting happened at around 9.30pm at the Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Jenkinstown in Dundalk.
The Garda Adrian Donohoe was one of two detectives on escort duty when the shooting occurred.
It is believed four armed men were waiting outside to rob the credit union and moved to hold up staff at gunpoint as they were leaving work.
One of the two detectives approached the raiders and was shot dead.
His colleague has been severely traumatised but is otherwise unhurt.
The raiders fled the scene in what is believed to have been a dark-coloured car.
Reacting to the news, Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said: ”This is a yet another tragic reminder of the immense risks our Gardaí take every day to protect our communities.
“We can only hope that those responsible are speedily brought to justice.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the deceased Garda’s family and colleagues at this very difficult time.”
A Garda spokesman said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe attached to the Detective Unit in Dundalk.
“Detective Garda Donohoe was fatally injured following a shooting incident at the Lordship Credit Union at Bellurgan, Jenkinstown, Dundalk, Co Louth at approximately 9.30pm last night (25/1/13).
“Following the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan speaking at Garda Headquarters this morning said: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my colleague Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Detective Garda Donohoe died as a result of injuries sustained in the course of his duty following a shooting incident in Dundalk last night.
“At this time my thoughts and prayers and those of the entire force are with the family, friends and close colleagues of Adrian.”
GRA President John Parker said: “This dreadful news is what every police family fears. At this time the wider garda family will be doing everything possible to support the late garda’s relatives and loved ones, friends and colleagues. There is a deep shock across An Garda Síochána – and Irish society.
“This heinous crime highlights the dangers gardaí face in the course of their duties and must be rightly condemned. We urge anyone who has any information, however small it may seem, to contact gardaí in Dundalk or the confidential Crimestoppers line 1800 25 00 25.”