Gardai will hunt Adrian Donohoe’s killers ‘to the end of the earth’

On the fifth anniversary of the father-of-two’s death in Co Louth, a direct appeal was made by gardai to the families of his killers to “do the right thing” and come forward with information.

On the night of January 25 2013, Detective Donohoe, 41, was escorting takings from a credit union in Dundalk to a bank when a three-car convoy he was travelling in was ambushed by an armed gang.

The officer was shot and his partner was taken at gunpoint from the car.

The suspects escaped with 4,000 euro in cash while Detective Donohoe died at the scene.

Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said on Thursday that the suspects are known to police and vowed to track them down.

“Some are in the country, some have left the country and have sought protection in other jurisdictions.

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

During a fresh appeal for information at Dundalk Garda Station, shortly after officers attended a memorial mass for their murdered colleague, Mr Mangan said lives have been shattered by the detective’s
death.

“Five years ago Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe left his home to go to work to help protect and serve the community in Co Louth.

“Just a few hours later many lives were left shattered and Adrian’s life was over. The murder left his family devastated and a community with an immeasurable loss.

“There still exists a huge loss, sadness and grief.”

Mr Mangan appealed directly to the families and friends of Mr Donohoe’s killers.

“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.

“It is never too late to do the right thing.”

Law enforcement around the world, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, US agencies and European forces, have been assisting the Garda investigation, Mr Mangan said.

“The investigation has continued at pace, both locally and on an international basis.

“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 Commissioner Donall O Cualain 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.”

Mr O Cualain added: “The key to solving this callous and brutal murder remains in the local community and, most particularly, those people who know who the killers are.

“They must now ask themselves whether they can after five years continue to protect people who are prepared to murder a Garda in cold blood.”

Last year a 50,000 euro reward was offered by the Irish League of Credit Unions for information that will lead to an arrest or prosecution in the murder inquiry. 

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