On the occasion of the first anniversary of his death, Tony’s wife Nicola on behalf of her children and the Golden and O’Sullivan families would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who sympathised with them, prayed for them and had them in their thoughts at their darkest hour and in the intervening months. Thank you to all who called personally to the house, sent flowers or sympathy cards and letters, made donations in Tony’s memory, signed the many condolence books opened throughout the country or attended the removal and Funeral Mass. Our appreciation is due to Fr. Padraig Keenan who celebrated a very moving Funeral Mass and visited and cared for us spiritually. The presence of Archbishop Eamon Martin, Bishop John Fleming, Archdeacon David Pierpoint, Dean Colum Curry, Captain Geoffrey Walmsley, Rev. Richard Moore, Fr. Brian White, Fr. Gerry O’Hora, Fr. Joe Kennedy, Fr. Oliver Brennan and other attending clergy was an enormous comfort to us throughout those days last October. The beautiful music at the Funeral Mass provided by Brendan and Sarah McCourt was a memorable and greatly appreciated tribute, as was the music played by the Garda Band as the cortege made its way to and from the Church and at Heynestown. We are grateful to President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and political representatives of all parties, whose presence recognised Tony’s sacrifice in the service of his community. We are very thankful for the ongoing support of the Garda family from every rank and file who maintain contact with us on a regular basis. Tony’s funeral required meticulous planning,  and under the direction of Inspector Martin Beggy, this considerable undertaking was carried out with the utmost dignity and respect. The large attendance of serving and retired Gardai, led by Commissioner  Nóirín O’Sullivan, who was accompanied by PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton, was a recognition of the service of all guardians of the peace and the danger that they can occasionally face. We appreciate the presence of Stephenites GAA of Ballina who travelled to honour Tony and formed a guard of honour.  The thoughtful gesture by Oliver and Rita McCloskey of a dove release at the graveside was also deeply appreciated.

The support we received at the time of Tony’s funeral was overwhelming. We particularly want to thank the communities of Blackrock and Omeath, Principal Angela McAdam, Teachers and the Parents Council of St. Oliver Plunkett School, Geraldines GFC, the Army Catering Corps, Blackrock Community Centre, Blackrock ICA and Pelican Promotions, especially Mandy Fee, who catered to those who travelled long distances, with special mention of Siobhan Keane and Marian Naughton who have been here for us throughout. Our gratitude must also go to Nicola’s work colleagues and staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Louth County Hospital and HIYA, St. Alphonsus PCCC, Barrack Street and our good neighbours and friends for their continuing care and thoughtfulness. Our good friends Kevin Cleary and Rachel Copperthwaite have been a tower of strength and support whenever we needed them and for this, we will be forever grateful. We wish to acknowledge the professional and dignified handling of Tony’s funeral by Annette and Gerard Quinn and the staff of Quinn’s Funeral Homes, Dundalk.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our appreciation.

A Mass marking the first anniversary of Tony’s death will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 11th, in St. Oliver Plunkett Church, Blackrock at 6.30p.m.