RIP: 'Shocking tragedy'- Tributes paid to Garda Kevin Flatley killed in checkpoint collision

Tributes have poured in across the country following the tragic passing of a member of An Garda Síochána, Garda Kevin Flatley.

Garda Kevin was involved in a road collision while he was on duty policing roads in Dublin on Sunday May 11 at approximately 12:50pm.

Kevin served for An Garda Síochána for 25 years and was well known and respected throughout the organisation.

Drew Harris, Garda Commissioner, paid tribute to the late Kevin Flatley with a video on social media that has received hundreds of comments from the people of Ireland.

Mr Harris said, "this is a desperately sad day for An Garda Síochána," and expressed the deepest sympathy towards Kevin's family on their devastating loss.

"Kevin today was preforming his duty as a roads policing member," Mr Harris said, "he's been engaged in roads policing since 2018."

"He was involved in the detection of speeding on a road known as R132, formerly the old N1...and really regrettably a collision took place," Mr Harris said.

"He was struck by a motorcycle and subsequently then dies from his injuries," said Mr Harris.

Mr Harris said that investigations are ongoing into the incident, where he himself visited the scene of the collision.

"I could see myself just the extent of the debris field and the vehicle in situ and the motorbike in situ," Mr Harris said.

Garda are investigation a large motorcycle, Ramaha R1 in particular, and ask for anyone with any information or dash cam footage to come forward to police.

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Tributes were paid by countless people on social media for the late Kevin Flatley, with one mourner writing, "My thoughts go immediately to the family left behind after such a tragedy. Every Garda siochana members expects to go home at the end of the day and sadly many do not. They serve honourably, quietly and stoically. I will never forget the debt we owe you. Your hero paid the ultimate price in his line of duty today and, myself and my family are for ever in sorrow and gratitude for his sacrifice. Lest we forget".

Another tribute read, "Shocking tragedy. A Garda carrying out his duties cut down in the prime of his life. Respect for the Garda and law and order has broken down. Heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues. May his gentle soul rest in peace".

"Heartbreaking to lose a husband, father, son, friend, colleague, and neighbour. Sending prayers to Garda Flatley's' family, friends, colleagues and those that attended to Garda Flatley. May he rest with the angels and may the spirit give strength to those that need it, in the coming days, and months," another person said.