On Sunday 14th April the people of Ireland were shocked to learn of the tragic deaths of two Gardai while in the line of duty. A stolen car travelling at speed had crashed into their patrol car on the Stillorgan dual carriageway. Garda Anthony Tighe and Garda Michael Padden were killed instantly.

Garda Anthony Tighe (53) of Ranelagh, Dublin was married with a family of four, one of whom is a serving garda at Kilmainham station in Dublin. Garda Tighe was stationed at Donnybrook.

Garda Michael Padden (27), a single man, was from Belmullet in Co. Mayo and was stationed at Donnybrook.

On Monday 15th April the remains of Garda Padden were brought to Mount Argus Church to allow Dublin people and Gardai to pay their respects.

The Church was packed for the evening service where Fr. Joseph Kennedy C.P., Garda Chaplain, praised the courage and devotion to duty of the dead gardai and all members of the Force. The following morning President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern joined the members of Garda Padden's family and a large gathering of Gardai and Dubliners for a short service before the long journey to Belmullet for Funeral Mass and burial in his home town.

On Tuesday evening 16th April the remains of the other dead Garda, Anthony Tighe, were brought to Mount Argus Church for Funeral Mass on Wednesday morning.

Once again huge crowds thronged Mount Argus Chucrh to join Garda Tighe's family, President McAleese, Garda rank and file and many ordinary people shocked by the events over the weekend. The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Joseph Kennedy C.P. assisted by many priests. At the end of mass Garda Tighe's daughter and colleagues paid tribute to a man who was loved as a husband, a father and a colleague.

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Reception of remains of Garda Michael Padden R.I.P. - Mount Argus Monday 15th April

The remains of Garda Padden lie before the High Altar in Mount Argus

The crowd dispersing on Monday night

Wednesday Morning 17th April the President leads the attendance at the mass for Garda Tighe R.I.P.

The remains of garda Tighe are carried from the Church

The rain comes down as the Funeral procession of garda Tighe leaves Mount Argus .