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Final police crash funeral hears tribute to a loving father and dedicated officer

By Matthew McCreary
Friday, 28 November 2008

Mourners at the funeral of tragic Kilkeel police officer Declan Greene have heard how he was a loving family man who lived for his wife and four children.

The small parish church of St Colman’s on the outskirts of the Co Down fishing village was packed with hundreds of family, friends and colleagues of Constable Greene, who died alongside three fellow officers when their patrol vehicle crashed into a wall on the coast road between Warrenpoint and Rostrevor on Sunday morning.

Constable Greene, who joined the PSNI in 2006, leaves behind his wife, Roisin, and four children; Rory (19), Darren (16) and Cormac (5) and three-year-old Sophie.

Among those who gathered at the church at Massforth yesterday were PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Sir Desmond Rea.

Constable Greene’s coffin was brought to the church from Kilkeel followed by a large cortege who braved the cold weather to accompany his remains on the journey. The cortege was led by a hearse within which a floral display bore the simple tribute ‘DAD’.

A burial party of Constable Greene’s colleagues from the PSNI carried his coffin — adorned with his cap and gloves — the last few yards to the doors of the church where his family, including his two elder sons, helped carry it inside for midday Mass.

Among those lining the street outside were pupils from Moneydarragh Primary School, where Constable Greene’s youngest son Cormac is a pupil. Students from nearby St Louis’ Grammar, of which Constable Greene was a former pupil and where his son Darren currently attends, also waited at the roadside to pay their respects.

And members of his Gaelic club, Ballymartin GAC, also lined the entrance to the church in a guard of honour for their lost friend.

Parish Priest Father Peter O’Hare spoke of the shock and disbelief which had gripped the small rural community as news of the tragedy broke on Sunday morning.

And he paid a long and moving tribute to Constable Greene as a family man and a man of faith.

“His family were his pride and joy,” he said.

“He lived for them, wanting the best for them. Giving them the best. Declan was the practical joker, the one who lit up the room when he came in. He was a person with a wonderful sense of humour, a happy person, an optimistic person.

“Declan was full of fun, jovial, dedicated and committed, with a passion for football shown in his involvement for many years with Ballymartin GAC.”

Fr O’Hare also spoke of Constable Greene’s commitment to his local community, which was to be rewarded with a commendation from his Area Commander.

“It was to the wider community that Declan directed his gifts and talents in one of service,” Fr O’Hare said.

“That word ‘service’ was a key to his work within the community — serving the work of reconciliation and peace among the people of Mourne, gifted in particular in his work with young people within the area. Declan was highly respected by all sides of the community as a police officer, a gift to us all.”

Following the service, Constable Greene’s coffin was carried the short distance to the church graveyard for burial. Among those leaving flowers at the graveside were Sir Hugh Orde.

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58 Comments

RIP James, Im never going to forget you xx

Posted by Miriam | 29.11.08, 19:49 GMT

As a past member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and a current 33 year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police (Canada) my family and I offer our deepest sympathies to these fine officers and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Responding to help a fellow officer in need and subsequently paying the ultimate terrible sacrifice is indeed honourable and brave but unfortunately such a very sad waste of life.

Posted by Les | 28.11.08, 00:53 GMT

My deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the four men who died tragically. I pray for you all and I believe that you will meet them again. St Anthony help them find peace.

Posted by Shamus | 27.11.08, 23:53 GMT

i worked with declan and knew kenny, kennys family and also his wifes family since i was no aged... they were two lovely fellas.. bt away to a beta place now...

lot of love keni and declan xxxxxx

Posted by April | 27.11.08, 21:07 GMT

I won't pretend to feel your pain, but i'm certainly sharing it. Be strong for each other. You're in my prayers. God bless!

Posted by Gerry | 27.11.08, 19:12 GMT

Very tragic news for the family, friends and colleagues of the four young officers.

Words can't adequately express the sorrow I feel.

God bless.

Posted by Niki Blair | 27.11.08, 16:09 GMT

As a member of law enforcement the death of a fellow officer is something you pray you will never have to experience. I can't imagine losing 4 at the same time. My deepest sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of these officers, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Michaela Smith
Rutherford County Sheriff's Dept
Tennessee, U.S.A

Posted by Michaela | 27.11.08, 13:01 GMT

I left Belfast in 1955 at the age of 12 and am at the present time a retired public safety officer in California. My thoughts and prayers go out to the familys, friends and co-workers of the officers who were killed in the tragic accident.
William S. Lynn
Concord, California.

Posted by William (Bill) Lynn | 26.11.08, 23:26 GMT

Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy. God bless x

Posted by Laura | 26.11.08, 22:24 GMT

Our police service has come a long way and I hope that the public will understand how part time officers (who generally also have a day job) give up their free time to serve the community- not to take away from the committment and bravery that all 4 gave to their job and to the community, paying the ultimate price.

Posted by Maire | 26.11.08, 22:04 GMT

Deepest sympathies to all the families.May they be comforted at this sad time. May their souls Rest in Peace.

Posted by kelly | 26.11.08, 21:44 GMT

Deepest sympathy to the families and relatives of the four policemen....what a waste of life and what tragedy this waste leaves behind.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families.

Posted by s gilmartin | 26.11.08, 20:58 GMT

god bless you all and your families

Posted by eileen | 26.11.08, 20:43 GMT

my deepest sympathy to all the familys Pauline from lisburn

Posted by pauline mckeown | 26.11.08, 20:37 GMT

My sincere deepest sympathy to the Families, Friends and Colleagues of the 4 young Officers killed in this tragic accident.

Rest In Peace.

Posted by David | 26.11.08, 19:54 GMT

i knew Declan Greene's son very well i met him last summer in the caravan park in kilkeal me and Darrin became good friends i never expectid this to happen him r his family my greatist wishis go out to the Greene family and the other 3 PSNI officers that also died in this accedint =( R.I.P x x x x x x x x

Posted by danielle murphy, warrenpoint | 26.11.08, 19:24 GMT

deepest sympathies to the families and friends.

Posted by karen | 26.11.08, 18:29 GMT

Honest, hard-working policemen should always be held in the highest regard in any right-minded society. It is their dedication to keeping people safe and putting themselves at risk that make them heroes.

These men should be honored by ALL segments of NI society, they equally deserve nothing less.

I hope their families have the utmost support from their community during this unfairly difficult time.

Posted by Scott Richards | 26.11.08, 17:17 GMT

Deepest sympathies to all the families involved. As an ex- security force member it brings back so many dark memories of the past. God bless to you all. From all ex-N Ireland SF here in Iraq. God Bless.

Posted by Peter T | 26.11.08, 16:21 GMT