Tributes have been paid to a Garda who tragically lost his life while conducting speed checks in north County Dublin on Sunday afternoon. Garda Kevin Flatley, 49, served for An Garda Síochána for 26 years before he was killed while on duty.
Mr Flatley died at the scene after he was hit by a motorcyclist in Lanestown, just outside Swords, at around 12:50pm while conducting a speed checkpoint. A motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, was seriously injured in the incident and was brought to Beaumont Hospital where his condition is described as critical.
The father of two was “well regarded” by his colleagues in the force, while being “very much involved” in his local community and with his local GAA club in Balbriggan.
“[He was] very well-known and very well respected. A huge loss to our Garda family today,” a spokesperson and colleague in Roads Policing told a press conference on Sunday. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin’s wife, and to his family, friends, and his colleagues in Roads Policing.”
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said: “We also think of Kevin’s colleagues at the Roads Policing Unit, Dublin Castle. Kevin, 49 years of age, has over 26 years of dedicated service to An Garda Síochána and the people of Ireland.
“Garda Kevin Flatley is the 90th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the performance of duty. Kevin was on duty this afternoon, serving the public by endeavouring in keeping them safe on our roads. His death is a terrible reminder of the dangers faced by Gardaí. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described it as a “desperately sad day” for the force in an address to the press given on Sunday evening.
“Our deepest sympathy to the family of Kevin Flatley. To his wife, Una, and to his children and his extended family including his parents. Kevin today was performing his duty as a roads policing member. He’s been engaged in road policing from 2018. He was a very professional, proficient officer. He was engaged in a duty to prevent speeding.”
Mr Harris said that Mr Flatley had been on duty when a collision took place and he was struck by a motor bike, subsequently dying from his injuries.
“I would just like to say that Kevin has been a very faithful public servant. He has served in An Garda Síochána for 25 years, and prior to serving with roads policing, he served as a community officer in the Blanchardstown area, and was well known and well liked there – and indeed, well known throughout the organisation.”
The Garda Chief described the investigation around Mr Flatley’s death as “ongoing,” and at its early stages.
“We’ve already received a lot of assistance from the public in terms of witness statements and also CCTV and dashcam footage. That appeal is still ongoing to inform our investigation into this collision.”
Mr Harris thanked members of the public, emergency services, and an off-duty doctor who came immediately to the aid of the late officer.
In an updated appeal, investigating Gardai renewed their appeal for witnesses to come forward, saying: “Investigators are particularly interested in tracking the movements of a Yahama R1 motorcycle in the vicinity between 12 noon and the time of the collision.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.