A retired Garda detective who survived an IRA shooting in which his colleague was killed has died.
Ben O'Sullivan died in Co Limerick after a short illness aged 76.
He was with Detective Jerry McCabe when he was shot dead in Adare, Co Limerick, in June 1996.
Detective O'Sullivan was seriously injured during the incident.
The pair were escorting a post office cash van when a four man IRA gang attempted to carry out a robbery.
Four men were subsequently jailed.
In June 2018 Detective O'Sullivan was given the Freedom of Limerick while the honour was also awarded posthumously to Detective McCabe.
At the time he said it was an honour he would cherish adding that he "only wished that his dear friend could have been with him to accept it".
Irish Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee said she was saddened to hear of Detective Sullivan's death.
"In this centenary year of An Garda Síochána, there is little doubt that Ben O’Sullivan represented the very best of its values, service and bravery," she said.
"Twice awarded a Gold Scott medal, Ben served his country with great courage and valour, selflessly taking on the burden of protecting all of us from danger.
"We thank him for his unstinting service and we mourn his passing."
MS McEntee said the "horrific attack on Ben and his partner" was "one of the most sickening attacks on Garda members in the history of the State".
President of the Garda Representative Association Frank Thornton said.
"When our members speak the name of Detective Garda Ben O’Sullivan it is with great affection, respect and admiration."
