A heroic garda who died in a diving tragedy will be laid to rest in his native Wexford tomorrow.
Garda David Hearne, was diving with a local sub-aqua club off Hook Head, Co Wexford on Saturday when the tragedy took place.
The father of four, who was in his 40s, was a native of Fethard-on-Sea, Co Wexford but had been stationed in Waterford for a number of years.
Mr Hearne, who has been honoured for his part in a number of dramatic water rescues, was brought to the surface in critical condition by colleagues.
He was airlifted to Waterford Regional Airport but was pronounced dead despite attempts to resuscitate him.
A funeral notice on RIP.ie reads: "Beloved husband of Barbara, father of Dylan, Toby, Noah and Libby, son of Declan and Gemma and brother of Bríd, Maeve and Declan.
"Sadly missed by his loving family, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace."
A wake for Garda Hearne will take place at his home today, from 2pm to 10pm.
His remains will be removed tomorrow, Tuesday, May 28, to Our Lady Star of the Sea church Duncannon, Co Wexford for funeral mass at 2pm with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
His family have requested their house private on Tuesday morning.
Tributes have been pouring in for the brave officer in the wake of the tragedy.
“He was an all-around good guy and he was always trying his best to help out families, on duty or off duty,” said local county councillor Jim Griffin who, as officer-in-charge at the Dunmore East Coast Guard station, liaised with Garda Hearne on a number of occasions.
“It’s a very sad occasion - a young man in his prime. The force needs young men and women with the bravery and the skill set that Dave brought to the job.
“It’s a sad state for the gardai in the country to lose a good one like Dave. It will be a huge loss to all of us.
“You knew that if he was coming on the scene that he’d bring something to the event,” added Mr Griffin.
