Thousands attend State funeral of Ballina’s ‘gentle giant’

Edwin McGreal

The late Garda Anthony Golden was fondly remembered at his State funeral in Blackrock, Co Louth this afternoon (Thursday). Thousands of people attended the service at the Church of St Oliver Plunkett in Blackrock for Garda Golden, who was a native of Ballina.
Anthony Golden was shot dead in the line of duty on Sunday evening when he went to the aid of a woman who was the victim of domestic abuse. He was bringing Siobhan Phillips to collect her personal belongings from a house in Omeath, Co Louth.
Around 4,000 serving and retired gardaí were among those paying their respects, including over 2,000 in uniform.
In his homily Fr PΡdraig Keenan, Parish Priest of Haggardstown and Blackrock, remembered a man who touched so many lives.
“As a husband, father, son, brother, family member and friend, each and every one you within is family circle were proud of your loved one Tony. Tony was one of life’s gentlemen. As Patrick his brother said to me, ‘a big, gentle giant, a lovely man’,” said Fr Keenan.

‘Tragic and cold-blooded’
He was, said Fr Keenan, a man whom the people of Omeath, where he served as a member of An Garda SíochΡna, had huge faith in.
“Tony was so proud to serve the community of Omeath. As one person from Omeath put it to me in recent days, ‘Garda Tony was our garda’.
“As a Guardian of the Peace, Garda Tony was doing his duty on behalf of our State and all of society. In that spirit he was assisting a member of the public, giving her protection, guarding her peace. It portrays the unique nature of the role, profession and dedication and commitment, the men and women of An Garda SíochΡna give to the people of this island,” said Fr Keenan, who was the Chief Celebrant at the State Funeral.
Fr Keenan said the murder of Garda Anthony Golden last Saturday was tragic and cold-blooded.
“In the stillness of a beautiful Sunday evening, last Sunday, we shared as a nation in the joy of a momentous sporting moment on the playing field of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.  That stillness was shattered in the picturesque village of Omeath as it became the centre of national and international coverage in light of the tragic events that unfolded.
“The magnitude of what took place brings to mind all those who have been affected in so many ways. Tragically it resulted in the cold blooded murder of Garda Tony Golden in the line of duty. Murder is evil, murder has no place in our society. Murder must stop. All forms of violence must stop. We remember in our thoughts and prayers the young woman Siobhan who is seriously injured. Garda Tony is the 88th member of An Garda SíochΡna who has died protecting our country, our society and our community. It is 88 members too many,” said Fr Keenan.

Sympathy
His roots in Ballina and his love of sport, particularly Ballina Stephenites GAA Club, were reflected in the bringing to the altar of a Ballina Stephentites jersey and a hurley, the game he loved so much.
His love of family was reflected by the bringing to the altar of family photographs while his enjoyment of downtime and ‘time out’ was reflected in the symbol of a remote control, a can of Coke, a Drifter bar of chocolate and a pack of Hunky Dorys crisps.
The two readings at the State Funeral were read by Anthony’s brothers Kenneth and David, while his brother Patrick read the post-Communion reflection.
The small church had room for just 300 seats, which were for family, friends and dignitaries. Outdoor screens were erected on the church grounds for the thousands outside.
Among those present were President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Bishop of Killala John Fleming and Parish Priest of Ballina, Fr Gerard O’Hora, were among the funeral celebrants.
Fr Keenan extended sympathy to Anthony’s wife, Nicola; his three young children, Lucy, Alex and Andrew; his parents, David and Breege; brothers, David, Kenneth, Patrick and SeΡn; sister, Mary; Nicola’s parents, Tony and Iris; Anthony’s sisters-in-law Majella, Laura, Aisling and Tara, and brother-in-law, Jonathan; and extended family and friends.  
Garda Golden will be laid to rest at St Paul’s Cemetery, Heynestown.