The family of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe says despite justice being served, nothing will bring him back to his wife, his children and his family.
The trial was one of the longest in the history of the state and saw 15 men and woman hear evidence for over six months.
Outside Court his afternoon following the guilty verdict handed down to 28 year old Aaron Brady of Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, Adrian’s wife Caroline, brother Colm and Chief Superintendent Christopher Mangan made their first comments on the case since it came before the Courts.
Speaking on the steps of the Court house at lunchtime, Detective Donohoe’s wife Caroline, who is also a Garda, thanked the jury for their time and dedication.
She also thanked the Gardaí and prosecution team involved in the case on behalf of herself and children, Amy and Niall.
Chief Superintendent Mangan described today as “a very important day in the administration of justice in Ireland”. He praised Gardaí in Dundalk who investigated the case of the murder of one of their colleagues.
He also praised the work of law enforcement in the United States who helped with the extradition of Aaron Brady from New York.
James Walsh, a retired detective with the NYPD, was involved in the operation.
He says Brady seemed content in the US before his arrest.
Chief Superintendent Mangan went on to appeal for anyone with information on the case to come forward, with three other people believed to have been involved in the robbery.
Adrian’s brother Colm thanked all involved in the case on behalf of the Donohoe family. Originally from Kilnaleck, there was widespread shock in the area after news of the shooting broke.
Colm praised the “professionalism and quality” of the investigation carried out by the Gardaí in Dundalk and those abroad.
He particularly praised the US Department of Homeland Security who treated their involvement “as if he was one of his own”.
He also appealed for anyone with information on the case to come forward, saying “Aaron Brady was not alone in Lordship” on the night.
The Gardaí this afternoon issued an appeal for more information in the case, saying today’s conviction clearly demonstrates the commitment and tenacity of the investigation team based at Dundalk Garda Station supported by the wider organisation.
In a statement the organisation said the investigation “remains live as other suspects remain to be brought to justice before the courts”.
The investigation team can be contacted at Dundalk Garda Station 042-9388400 the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Councillor in Kilnaleck, Craig Lovett said the area is thinking of the Donohoe family at this time.
This is the first capital murder conviction in almost 40 years.
Two men Noel Callan from Castleblayney and Michael McHugh from Crossmaglen were found guilty of the capital murder of Sergeant Patrick Morrisey in Louth in 1985.
At the time they were sentenced to death by hanging, which was later commuted to 40 years in prison without parole.
