Detective shot half mile from home

Jan 26 2013

A detective gunned down during a botched bank heist in Ireland was killed less than half a mile from his home.

Detective garda Adrian Donohoe, a father of three in his 40s, died as he tried to prevent raiders escaping with cash from Lordship Credit Union at Bellurgan, Jenkinstown about seven miles from the border town of Dundalk, Co Louth.

Gardai said he was shot without warning and had not drawn his weapon.

Locals in the close-knit rural community said they had been left stunned by the murder of such a well known and popular figure.

It is understood Mr Donohoe's wife, Caroline is also a member of the gardai.

Paul Breen, a member of St Patrick's GAA club, said: "The whole community is shocked - what else could they be? But, for these people, this is just a way of life."

Mr Donohoe was originally from Co Cavan, but was stationed at Dundalk Garda Station. He was one of two officers on escort duty when the incident happened.

It is understood four men were waiting outside to rob the Credit Union which stays open late on Fridays.

The detective approached the men and a number of shots were fired before they fled in a grey Volkswagen Passat. It is understood Mr Donohoe was hit in the head without warning and before he had drawn his garda-issue weapon.

He was pronounced dead a short while later. Although traumatised, it is believed his colleague was physically uninjured.