Ballyhaunis shocked at death of Garda (39)

Michael Commins

IT was with much sadness and regret that colleagues in Ballyhaunis Garda Station learned of the sudden death of Garda Shane Cuffe last week. Shane took ill and died suddenly in Clifden Garda Station after completing the night shift. He was 39.
Shane, from Woodlands Park, Moycullen, and who also had family ties in Co Roscommon, was stationed in Ballyhaunis for around three years from 2008 until his transfer to Clifden towards the end of 2011.
Retired Garda Sergeant, Kieran McNicholas, from Kiltimagh, who was in charge at Ballyhaunis Station at the time, said he and colleagues heard of Shane’s death with deep shock. “The news came out of the blue. Shane enjoyed his time in Ballyhaunis and mixed well with the community. He enjoyed his time here on the Mayo-Roscommon border. His brother Éanna is stationed over the way in Castlerea.
“Shane always took such good care of himself. We extend deepest condolences to his family and friends at this terrible sad time for all of them,” said Kieran.
Reposing was at Aiséiri, Maigh Cuilinn, on Wednesday evening. The Funeral Mass was celebrated in Galway Cathedral on Thursday.
The very large congregation in the Cathedral reflected the sadness of the occasion at the passing of a young man who was deeply committed to his chosen profession. He was a nephew of the current Acting Garda Commissioner, Donal Ó CualΡin. Interment took place in Maigh Cuilinn Cemetery. Colleagues formed a major guard of honour in a poignant tribute to their departed friend.
Shane, who was predeceased by his father Vincent, is deeply regretted by his wife Eimear (a native of Derry) and their two young children Conor and Evan, his mother Anne, brothers Cathal, Éanna and Evan, his aunts, uncles, cousins, parents-in-law, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, the wider family circle and his many friends and Garda colleagues.