Gardaí will hunt colleague’s killers ‘to end of earth’

Gardaí have vowed to hunt the killers of their colleague Adrian Donohoe “to the end of the earth”, as they appealed to their families to do the right thing and hand them in.

The 41-year-old father-of-two was murdered five years ago in Co Louth.

Detective Garda Donohoe was escorting takings from a credit union in Dundalk to a bank, when the three-car convoy he was travelling in was ambushed by an armed gang.

He was shot and killed at the scene, while his partner was taken from the car at gunpoint before the suspects escaped with €4,000.

On the fifth anniversary of the murder, a memorial mass was held – after which senior gardaí said the suspects were known to them and they vowed they would be tracked down.

“Some are in the country, some have left the country and have sought protection in other jurisdictions,” Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said.

“That doesn't prevent us following them to the end of the earth and we certainly will.”

Chief Superintendent Mangan added that the killing had shattered lives and created an enduring sense of loss and sadness for the Donohoe family.

Appealing directly to the family and friends of the detective’s killers, he said: “The persons involved in this murder have no doubt received logistical and emotional support from their families and friends.

“I am speaking to you in particular, the families and friends of these people. Your mind will never have peace until you tell the truth about what happened to Adrian.

The PSNI, as well as law enforcement agencies across Europe and in the US, have been assisting the Garda investigation into the murder.

“The investigation has continued at pace, both locally and on an international basis,” Chief Superintendent Mangan said.

“We will never cease in our efforts to bring accountability to those who murdered Adrian. We will never cease investigating in order to solve Adrian's murder.”

Acting Garda Commissioner Dónall Ó Cualáin said: “Adrian’s ultimate sacrifice to protect others will never be forgotten by his loved ones, the wider Garda family, the local community he served so well, and the State.

“He is an enduring example to us all.”

Last year, a €50,000 reward was offered by the Irish League of Credit Unions for information leading to an arrest or prosecution over the murder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Dundalk Garda Station on 0429 388470 or confidentially on 1800 666111.