LAST UPDATE | 8 Aug 2023

A WOMAN WHO died following a fire on board a boat in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim in the early hours of Monday morning has been named as an off-duty member of An Garda Síochána. 

Gardaí are investigating the incident as “a personal tragedy” according to a statement. 

“One female has been confirmed deceased and her body has been removed from the scene to Sligo University Hospital Mortuary where a post mortem will take place today,” An Garda Síochána said.
 
“The scene is currently preserved and the boat has been removed to a secure location.  A technical examination will take place of the scene and boat by the Garda Technical Bureau in due course.
 
“An Garda Síochána can confirm the deceased woman was an off duty member of An Garda Síochána, Deirdre (Dee) Finn, who was attached to Dun Laoghaire Garda station.
 
“A Family Liaison Officer has been provided to Deirdre’s family.

“Garda Management will provide supports to Deirdre’s family and her colleagues locally and within the wider organisation where required,” the statement concluded.

Antoinette Cunningham, the General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, said that the fire was “unspeakably sad”.

Unspeakably sad news to hear that a highly respected serving Garda @gardarep @gardainfo colleague has died in these terribly sad circumstances…our thoughts & the condolences of all in @AGSI_Ireland are sent to her family, friends & Colleagues…May her Gentle Soul Rest In Peace https://t.co/BejUgqybms

— antoinette (@antoabs) August 7, 2023

Extremely sad news from Carrick-on-Shannon. My condolence to Detective Deirdre Finn's family, friends and colleagues at Shankill Garda Station where she served with distinction over many years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. https://t.co/QZEZVhDs5Y

— Cormac Devlin TD (@CormacDevlin) August 7, 2023

TD for Dun Laoghaire, Cormac Devlin, paid his respects to Deirdre, tweeting that she had served here area “with distinction over many years”.