Declan Greene's hard work and dedication led him to become a police officer, mourners heard at his funeral last week. And it was this energy that singled him out by his PSNI bosses- who had decided to honour him for his policing skills just days before he lost his life. Mourners at his funeral on Thursday learned that the part-time police officer was due to receive a commendation from the PSNI's Area Commander, Chief Inspector Sam Cordner, for his work with the community. The certificate, along with Mr Greene's police hat and gloves, were subsequently presented to his widow, Roisin, following the funeral mass in St Coleman's church, near Kilkeel. During his homily, Father Peter O Hare said the 39 year old would be remembered for the pride and joy he had for his family and the hard work and dedication he showed to the community. Recalling the shock and disbelief of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of Mr Greene and three of his colleagues, Fr O Hare acknowledged that each of the grieving families need answers. "Last Sunday morning, this community in Mourne was waking up to what appeared to be another Sunday and then the news began to break that four police officers had died in a vehicle accident close to Warrenpoint, earlier that morning. "Soon we were to learn that two of the occupants were from the Kilkeel area. We all felt the shock, the disbelief, we felt that such a tragedy couldnt have happened, shouldnt have happened. So young with young families," he said. "Our first reactions were how could it have happened? What happened? Why? How? Bombarding ourselves with lots and lots of questions, questions which still apply today and the answers? Well they are for another day, and the answers there must be for the families." Turning his attention to Declan's family life, the cleric said the dedicated family man wanted the best for his wife Roisin and his family. They were his pride and joy. He lived for them, wanting the best from them, giving them the best. "Declan was the practical joker, the one who llit up the room when he came in. He was a person with a wonderful sense of humour, a happy person, an optimistic person. Declan brought joy to every company in which he found himself. He had that wonderful gift to be able to relate to everyone and anyone he met: he could be at their level, no matter the age.," he continued. Highlighting his involvement for many years with Ballymartin GAC, Fr O Hare said Mr Greene "rejoiced in the gifts and talents of his children at home", on the playing field or at school. "Declan wished the very best for his children. His father, Thomas, his sister Teresita and brother Kieran and indeed the wider family circle will be remembering today, someone who lived life to the full with a caring heart; reaching out to anyone who was in need, much of this good work done very quietly. " Recalling Mr Greene's inspiration for joining the police force as a part time constable in June 2006, Fr O Hare said he was "hard working and dedicated in everything that he did." "It was Declan's caring heart that he wanted to share beyond his immediate family circle, and so it was to the wider community that Declan directed his gifts and talents in one of service. "After his day's work in BE Aerospace it was to a ministry of service as a part time police officer that he gave of himself in the evening. "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 his work with young people within the area. Declan was highly respected within all sides of the community as a police officer, a gift to us all." "it is now important that this community in which Declan worked and worked for, will now direct itself towards giving support to Roisin and to their family in the days, weeks and months that lie ahead. "I am quite sure that support will be given and will be experienced just as it was-over six years ago, when three generations of Declan's family- his uncle, cousin and second cousin lost their lives in a fishing tragedy.," concluded Fr O Hare, referring to the sinking of the Tullaghmurray Lass fishing vessel. Following the funeral mass, which included prayers by Mr Greene's family and a police colleague, he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Mourne Observer 03/12/08 Tweet

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