Colleague's moving tribute to late Garda David Hannon

The funeral of Mullingar-based garda, David Hannon took place toShanganagh Cemetery this morning (Friday). Hundreds of mourners,including many of Bray native's garda colleaugues, filled St Peter'sChurch, Little Bray to capacity, as his heartbroken family badefarewelll to the much loved father of three.

David's former footballing colleagues from his adopted home ofBallymore provided a guard of honour as the young garda's remains setout on their final journey.

In a moving, post-Communion tribute to his “once-in-a-lifetimefriend”, David's long time Garda colleague, GardaScott Kahler commencedin a jovial manner: “If we told all the stories about‘Hanno' we would be here till tomorrow. He got a send-off inMullingar on Wednesday night which neither Bressie nor Niall Horanwill get!”
However,Garda Kahler's mood understandably altered on what he described as“atragic and difficult occasion” when recalling with pride the lateBallymore resident's ten years as a member of An GardaSíochána. 
“Davidhad a commanding presence, but also a compassionate nature as acapable and assured policeman. He was known the length and breadth ofMullingar. David saved two lives in the town in his role as a gardaand how sad it is now to see his own life end so tragically,” hisgarda partner of eight years stated, before concluding, “I will bea long time lamenting his passing.”