A police officer shot dead during a robbery in Ireland was dedicated, diligent and hugely popular, senior officers have said. Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, a father of two aged in his 40s, was gunned down just half a mile from home as he tried to stop raiders escaping with cash from a Credit Union in Co Louth. Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said he had been deeply saddened to hear of his colleague's death. "He was a very popular member of An Garda Siochana, a very efficient member, someone who was revered both by his peers and members of the community where he served," he said Mr Donohoe's widow Caroline, two brothers and members of his extended family are also members of the Gardai. Detectives are still investigating whether subversive elements such as dissident republicans were involved in the murder or whether a criminal gang was responsible. Mr Callinan said: "There were up to four people involved in the actual raid. How many were involved beyond that will remain to be seen. "We will put all our energy towards finding out precisely who was behind this robbery. It is too early to speculate whether there was a subversive element to this or whether they are ordinary criminals." A book of condolence has been opened at Dundalk garda station where the murdered officer was based. Former colleagues and members of the public have been attending the station with floral tributes and leaving messages of support for the Donohoe family. | 
