The Garda Commissioner has marked the third anniversary of the murder of Detective Adrian Donohoe with a renewed vow to catch his killers.
Noirin O’Sullivan urged people who know the armed gang who shot the respected officer dead to come forward with the names.
Garda Donohoe was gunned down on January 25 2013 as robbers held up the credit union in the village of Lordship on the Cooley peninsula.
Some of the gang members fled abroad from the border region after the killing but it is believed a number are now back living in the South Armagh area.
“At this time, I would appeal to anyone with information on Adrian’s murder to come forward and help us with our enquiries. The smallest piece of information could be significant,” the Commissioner said.
“There are still people out there who know who the killers are.
“It is never too late to do the right thing.
“Any information provided will be treated sensitively.”
Commissioner O’Sullivan described Detective Donohoe’s murder as brutal and senseless.
He was the 87th member of the force to be killed in the line of duty.
The killing was followed last year by the murder of Garda Tony Golden as he escorted a woman to her home in nearby Omeath after she made a complaint of domestic abuse against dissident republican Adrian Crevan Mackin.
Commissioner O’Sullivan said the force was committed to ensuring Detective Donohoe’s killers are brought to justice and extensive assistance is being provided by law enforcement colleagues, including the PSNI.
Witnesses and anyone with information has been urged to contact the incident room in Dundalk Garda Station on 042 9388470 or to use the Garda confidential number 1800 666 111.
“The impact of Adrian’s death is still keenly felt in Dundalk, amongst the Garda family, and the wider community. Most of all, our thoughts today are with Caroline, the children, and all of Adrian’s family and friends,” the Commissioner said.
She described him as the embodiment of dedication to the community he served, playing an integral role in Dundalk Garda station and St Patrick’s GAA in Lordship and to the lives of the children he coached on under-age teams.
“The reaction to his murder is testament to the breadth of influence he had on people’s lives, and the depth of feeling towards him,” the Commissioner said.
