This article is from page 10 of the 2013-01-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
MANY mourners from Kilkee are expected to travel to Dundalk today (Tuesday) and tomorrow to support the popular Deloughrey family during the funeral of murdered Garda Adrian Donohoe.
The brave Garda detective was married to Caroline Deloughrey, a fellow Garda who came from a family that served the State as members of the force, and assisted the local community through volunteer organisations and life-saving bodies.
Gda Donohoe was shot in cold blood on Friday night last as he escorted a cash collection to a raid on a credit union in Lordship in Dundalk, just miles from where he lived with Caroline and their two young children, Amy and Niall.
His horrific death in the line of duty shocked the nation at the weekend, but resonated even more deeply in the seaside town that he and his family visited regularly, staying with Caroline’s parents Stephen (Stevie) and Bridie.
Neighbours of the Deloughrey family remember fondly the man described as “a gentle giant, a very nice person, very confident, honest, reliable and hard-working”, who had married the love of his life in their local church. The devoted dad was often seen on the beach playing with his young family, supporting his bother-in-law Derek when he togged out for St Senan’s or having a quiet drink with his fatherin-law in O’Mara’s or Marrinan’s.
“Stevie and Bridie would be well known by everyone here. We are just devastated for their daughter Caroline,” said one neighbour.
Another neighbour added, “Caroline is a lovely lady. Everyone here is heartbroken for her.”
The family is well known in the area including Caroline’s three brothers, Derek, John and Kieran. Derek is a garda sergeant based in Limerick and Kieran has been credited with saving many lives through his years of work with Kilkee Marine Rescue Service.
The Deloughrey family have spent the weekend comforting Caroline and her two children, and now the people of Kilkee, including members of the Church choir who sing with Bridie and members of the local rescue service, will travel to show their support for the popular family.
Clare people wishing to sympathise with Gda Donohoe’s family, friends and colleagues can do so by signing a book of condolences at Ennis Garda Station, where Caroline’s sister-in-law is serving as a Garda.