Thousands of mourners flocked to the small village of Swinford in Co. Mayo to pay their respects at the state funeral of Garda Robert McCallion.

Robert McCallion died in hospital almost two weeks after being hit by a stolen car while on duty at Tara Court in Letterkenny.

Mourners were led by his parents Bob and Nancy Mc Callion, sisters Noirin and Deirdre, brother John and his girlfriend Maria O’Donnell from Ranafast.

The Justice Minister, the Garda Commissioner and 600 members of An Garda Siochana were among those who packed in to Our Lady Help of the Christians’ Church in Swinford for the emotional service.

Although Mass was scheduled to begin at 1.00pm, the church was already packed to capacity by 12.30pm.

Speakers were erected outside so that the thousands of people gathered outside the church could listen to the mass.

Family, friends and colleagues wept openly as tributes to the young garda were read out by those closest to him.

Following the mass more than 600 gardai, led by the Garda Band accompanied Garda McCallion’s coffin on its final journey through his hometown.

Burial took place in nearby Kilconduff cemetery, and at the graveside Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy removed the Tricolour and garda hat from Robert’s coffin before giving them to Robert’s mother Nancy.