The funeral for a member of An Garda Síochána who died in a boat fire has heard she was “the life and soul of the party”.
Detective Garda Deirdre ‘Dee’ Finn, a well-respected garda attached to Dun Laoghaire Garda Station, died while off-duty in Carrick-on-Shannon in the early hours of Monday.
A Garda guard of honour lined the roadside as a funeral procession carried her coffin into St John The Evangelist church in Ballinteer, Dublin, on Friday.
Her brother Cormac described the “shock, disbelief, denial, numbness, devastation, and heartbreak” following Ms Finn’s death.
“Dee was an amazing person. Friendly, kind, welcoming – loved having the craic.
“She was a happy person, loved a good laugh, and always had a smile.”
He thanked her garda colleagues: “There is no doubt about it, this has been the toughest week of our lives and having each and every one of you supporting us, brings us tremendous comfort.
“We know her death has shocked her colleagues to the core.”
He said Ms Finn began her training on August 23rd, 1993 and had planned to retire next year after attending a reunion later this month.
“Sadly, neither of those things are going to be”.
He said Ms Finn was an “amazing big sister” to him and their brother Dermot.
He said she was in her “happy place” when she was on her boat – the Doll Finn – which she bought five years ago.
He concluded: “When you remember Dee, remember her happiness, remember her laughter, remember to live life to the full, remember her smile, remember your friend.
“Finally, on Sunday night our dear Dee went to sleep, never to wake. She was in her happy place and in her happy place she stayed. We all love you Dee, you are now with mam. Rest in peace.”
Father Jim Caffrey noted that it was only a number of months previously when the family and members of the garda community had gathered for the funeral of Ms Finn’s mother Agnes.
“It seems almost surreal that it’s the same church, the same mourners, the same readings, the same music – much of which Deirdre herself organised when we gathered here some months ago to say farewell to our beloved Agnes.
“So she’s very much present and with us in spirit.”
The parish priest paid special tribute to the strength of her father Pat in the context of the loss of his daughter and wife in the space of a few months.
Pat Finn thanked those who had attended the service and comforted the family since her death: “You have made me the proudest dad in this country, to think that you thought so much of my Dee.
“You have made this journey so very easy for me, you have carried me along.”
Fr Caffrey said the Finn family was extraordinary and full of “kindness and love”.
“Deirdre was certainly no exception to all of that. In fact, a leader in all of that.”
He described her as “so lively and vivacious”.
Fr Caffrey paid particular tribute to An Garda Síochána.
“Deirdre was a guard to her fingertips and she loved being a guard. She loved being a member of the GRA [Garda Representative Association].
“Today is an opportunity for all of us to say to Deirdre and also to the many gardai who are present: Thanks for your family. Thanks for your service, also thanks for being guardians of the peace and looking after all of us so well.
“We are truly proud of An Garda Síochána.”
Fr Caffrey read out a tribute to Ms Finn posted online by a 15-year-old teenager in Co Clare who wanted to become a member of An Garda Síochána
He noted the gospel says “happy are the peacemakers” and described Ms Finn as a peacemaker through her work with An Garda Síochána.
Friends, colleagues and relatives presented a selection of memorabilia at the top of the church.
Her first garda cap and her long-service medal were among the items.
Her brother Cormac said: “Dee was a very proud guard, she loved her job, she loved her colleagues.”
Other items included a collection of pig trinkets she was fond of, a makeup bag, a family photo and a Leinster rugby jersey, and an ensign flag to symbolise her love of boating.
Ms Finn’s boating family who “helplessly” witnessed her tragic death were also acknowledged in the service.
As a wine glass was also brought up, her brother commented to knowing laughter: “Deirde loved a good party. Deirde was the life and soul of many a party, and many a party didn’t happen unless Deirdre was involved.”
