'An irreplaceable loss' - Tributes continue as Garda Kevin Flatley's funeral plans confirmed

The funeral details for Garda Kevin Flatley, who died after being struck by a motorbike while on duty in north Dublin last weekend, have been announced.

The 49-year-old father-of-two had been operating a speed checkpoint on the R132 at Lanestown near Lusk on Sunday afternoon when the incident occurred. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Garda Flatley, a dedicated member of An Garda Síochána for 26 years, is remembered as an "avid member and coach" of O'Dwyers GAA club in Balbriggan, where he coached the U10 girls' team, including his daughters Erin and Aoife.

His funeral notice on RIP.ie describes him as the "beloved husband of Úna and loving father of Erin and Aoife" and notes that he will be "very sadly missed by his adoring wife and daughters, parents Michael and Breda, brother John, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours." He is predeceased by his sister Elaine.

Kevin will repose at McNally's Funeral Home in Balbriggan on Thursday, May 15, from 4pm to 7pm. His funeral Mass will take place on Friday afternoon at 1.30pm in S.S. Peter and Paul's Church, Balbriggan, followed by burial in Newcastle Cemetery.

The family have requested privacy at home and asked for family flowers only, with donations, if desired, to the Little Blue Heroes charity.

Messages of condolence have continued to pour in since Kevin's tragic death.

Joe Dirwan, President of the Garda Retired Members Association, paid tribute: "Kevin is an irreplaceable loss to his adoring family. We hope the good memories you shared will over time help to lessen the pain of his untimely death."

One former colleague recalled working alongside him as a student Garda, describing him as "an absolute gentleman… affable, conscientious, sound, kind."

Another tribute read: "I was heartbroken to hear about Kevin's passing. I'm truly numbed trying to comprehend your loss — he was a remarkable person, and an even better father. His kindness, strength, and deep love for his family were clear to all who knew him."

A fellow officer who worked with Kevin in Pearse Street and Blanchardstown remembered: "Some of my abiding memories of him are of his patience, kindness and sincerity, especially with those who needed to be heard and helped."

Kevin Flatley's death marks the 90th time a member of An Garda Síochána has died while on duty.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal for witnesses to the collision, particularly anyone who may have seen or recorded the Yamaha R motorbike involved in the incident from 12pm onwards on Sunday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

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