Tony Golden: Tributes paid to Garda 'shot dead by IRA suspect'

Tributes have been paid to the police officer who "laid down his life" to protect a woman when he was apparently shot dead by a suspected IRA member in Ireland.

Tony Golden, a married father-of-three, who was 36, was reportedly gunned down in a suspected murder-suicide by a man named locally as Adrian Crevan Mackin, after he responded to reports of a domestic between Mackin and his partner.

Garda Golden and the woman are said to have been shot before Mackin, who was on bail awaiting trial for IRA membership, shot himself dead at the home in Omeath, Co Louth.

The officer was said to have been going to the aid of the woman, understood to be Mackin's girlfriend, who had called police saying she was injured.

Forensic examinations will take place at the house in the Mullach Alainn estate where the shootings took place at about 6pm on Sunday evening.

Tributes to the dead garda were led by President Michael D Higgins, members of government and the Garda commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan.

President Higgins said: "This most serious and tragic incident has not only led to the death of a member of An Garda Siochana, while on duty, but tragically has also involved the death of one and the serious injury of another person."

"I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the garda who has so tragically lost his life while responding to this incident. My thoughts at this time are also with all others who have been affected by the events in Omeath."

Mackin had been on bail awaiting trial for IRA membership at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin after being arrested at the start of the year following a joint Garda-Police Service of Northern Ireland operation to target dissident republicans in the border area.

Door-to-door inquiries are expected to be conducted during the day as gardai attempt to piece together the events leading up to the shootings.

The dead garda is the 88th member of the force to be killed in the line of duty and the murder occurred in the same region of Co Louth where Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was fatally shot on January 25 2013.

The commissioner was making arrangements to meet the dead garda's family.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my colleague in a fatal shooting incident this evening while carrying out their duties," Ms O'Sullivan said.

"At this time my thoughts and prayers and those of the entire Garda service are with his family, friends and colleagues.

"This incident highlights the unique nature of the job carried out by the men and women of An Garda Siochana, and the dangers they face every day."

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, said she was appalled by the loss of life.

"The fact that a garda has laid down his life while protecting the community is a cause of great sadness. His death will be mourned by the entire nation, grateful for the service which he gave to it," she said.

"Today's tragic events are a stark reminder of the risks which members of An Garda Siochana face day in day out trying to keep our communities safe.

"I know our communities will stand with An Garda Siochana at this most difficult time for them.

"While no words at this time can be expected to console his wife and children, his family, his colleagues and all who loved him, they know that he gave his life in the best traditions of An Garda Siochana protecting the community he was so proud to serve."

Sinn Fein leader and representative for Louth, Gerry Adams, said he was shocked and that his thoughts were with the families of the injured.