Tributes to 'well-liked' garda and dad-of-two killed at speed checkpoint

Irish Daily Mirror

11-05-2025

Tributes are pouring in for the garda who was struck and killed by a motorcycle after trying to flag the vehicle down.
Brave Garda Kevin Flatley, 49, who was a father of two young children and served 26 years in the force, died when a motorcyclist drove into him at the old Swords to Balbriggan Road, in the Lanestown area of Lusk, around 12:50pm on Sunday afternoon.
Garda Flatley, who was a roads policing officer based out of Dublin Castle, was operating a speed checkpoint on the road - and attempted to flag down the bike when the tragedy occurred.
Garda colleagues rushed to the scene along with emergency services - as an off-duty doctor did his best to try and save Kevin on the roadside. Sadly, despite the best efforts of those who rushed to the area, Garda Flatley was declared dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, the motorcyclist came off the bike and was critically injured in the incident.
Last night, the motorcyclist, who is in his 30s, was fighting for his life in Dublin's Beaumont Hospital - after he was rushed there via ambulance.
Speaking outside Garda Headquarters on Sunday night, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris spoke of Kevin Flatley's professionalism and dedication to the job.
'As Commissioner, I have to say this is a desperately sad day for An Garda Siochana. Really our most 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 roads policing from 2018, a very professional, proficient officer. He was engaged in duty to prevent speeding and he was involved in detecting speeding on the R132 as you travel north towards Balbriggan.
'Really regrettably, a collision takes place, he was struck by a motorbike and subsequently then dies. This is a terrible loss for us all but all of us acknowledge how heavy a blow this is,' he said.
'I'd just like to say Kevin has been a very faithful public servant, he has served in An Garda Siochana for 25 years. 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 liked within the organisation.'
The Commissioner stated that the investigation into the crash is in its early stages - and appealed for any members of the public who may have seen or filmed the bike involved to come forward.
'Obviously then, the investigation is ongoing. I visited the scene and I could see myself just the extent of the debris field and the vehicle in situ, the garda vehicle in situ as well. So those investigations carry on. We would be particularly interested in the movements of a large motorcycle, a Yamaha R1000cc motorbike, really after 12 noon today. This collision happened about 12:50pm. We're very interested then for anybody who might have seen this vehicle and who may have recorded dash-cam footage,' he said.
'We've already received a lot of assistance from the public in terms of witness statements and also CCTV and dash-cam footage and that appeal is still ongoing,' he said.
'I'd also like to thank members of the public, our emergency services, an off duty doctor who came immediately to the aid of Kevin and all assistance that could be rendered was rendered as quickly as possible but tragically Kevin passed away.'
Assistant Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Region Paul Clearly, meanwhile, told of how Kevin Flatley was well liked within the force - and highly regarded in his local community of Balbriggan.
'He was well regarded by his colleagues, very much involved in his own community where he lived out on Balbriggan, the local GAA club and a very well liked person, very well respected and a huge loss to our Garda family today,' he said.
In an earlier statement, the Garda Commissioner stated that he was 'deeply saddened' by the incident.
"My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with Kevin's family and friends," he said. "We also think of Kevin's colleagues at the Roads Policing Unit, Dublin Castle."
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," said Commissioner Harris. "His death is a terrible reminder of the dangers faced by gardaí. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal."
Several tributes have also poured out from politicians and policing organisations.
President Michael D. Higgins stated: "As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Garda Kevin Flatley, who today lost his life while serving the community.
'Garda Flatley dedicated his career to public service and to keeping people safe. The loss of a Garda has a deep impact on society due to this strong connection and my thoughts are with his family and all those who knew and cared for Garda Flatley across his life.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said he was "deeply shocked" by the death of Garda Kevin Flatley.
'Very sadly, this brave garda has died in the line of duty, serving and protecting the community. I know his death will bring heartbreak to his family, friends, loved ones and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána across the whole country," he said.
'The women and men of An Garda Síochána go out to work every day to keep Ireland safe. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves, as they work to shield us from harm and to strengthen our communities.
'As Minister for Justice, I convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to the parents, family and friends of Garda Flatley and indeed to the whole family of An Garda Síochána.'
And Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: 'I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Garda Kevin Flatley who lost his life while on duty in north Dublin today.
'Our gardai serve with courage and dedication each and every day to keep the public safe and to prevent crime. The loss of a garda while on duty will be keenly felt by those who knew him, in communities across Ireland and by all members of An Garda Síochána. Our thoughts and prayers go to all those in mourning following this terrible tragedy.'
Tánaiste Simon Harris added: 'It was with profound shock and sadness that I learned today of the loss of Garda Kevin Flatley who died in the course of his duties on Sunday.
'Garda Flatley was a long-serving and much-respected member of An Garda Síochána, devoted to his job and to keeping his community safe. There is no greater example of that than today when he was working to keep the public safe on our roads.
'The untimely loss of Garda Flatley reminds us of the frailty of life and how suddenly loss and grief can be thrust upon us. It is also a tragic reminder of the risks that Gardaí take everyday in the service of our country and its people. 'I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family, his friends, his colleagues in the Roads Policing Unit and all those who loved him.
Mark O'Meara, president of the Garda Representative Association, of which Kevin Flatley was a member, said: 'As an association, we have been numbed by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the Garda family.
'Today our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen member, his wife and children and his family as well as his wide circle of friends and colleagues. We have lost a wonderful friend and colleague and he will never be forgotten for what he gave to public service and what he meant to his colleagues.'
Meanwhile, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues of the deceased garda. General Secretary Ronan Clogher described the news as 'devastating' and called it 'a dark day' for An Garda Síochána.
'We are in shock and numbed at the news this afternoon. No Garda shift is ever routine, but this one has ended in the most horrendous of circumstances. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. It is not easy for Garda colleagues today so please keep them in your thoughts.'
AGSI President Declan Higgins says the Association will provide all their support to members, Garda colleagues and their families at this tragic time.
Gardai have appealed for any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, and were in the area at the time are urged to provide this material to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.