THERE was sadness in the community following the sudden passing of Garda Alan Leblique, who has died in Dublin.

Prior to working and living in the South, Garda Leblique had been a highly popular member of the PSNI for some time before transferring to An Garda Síochána.

He had served in Enniskillen PSNI station for some time, and his former colleagues expressed deep condolences on his sudden passing.

Summing up local sentiment, and that of Alan's former peers, Chief Inspector Roy Robinson said: “All of us who served with or knew Alan during his time in Fermanagh have been so saddened to learn of his passing.

“Alan made a tremendously positive impression on everyone he met, and was an exemplary police officer. His death is a great tragedy for his family, friends and colleagues in both the PSNI and An Garda Síochána.

"He will be sadly missed.”

An Garda Síochána had not replied to a request for comment by the time of going to print.

At the time of his death, Alan was stationed in Dun Laoghaire Garda Station, where he also proved highly popular with the Force.

He was remembered locally by colleagues, family and friends with a vigil outside Dun Laoghaire Garda Station, with a service was led by Garda chaplains Fr. Joe Kennedy and, Arch Deacon David Pierpoint.

Alan’s funeral service took place at the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome, South Dublin on Monday, January 11.

Alan Leblique is survived by his loving husband and best friend, Patrick; his mother, Sheila Parker; stepfather Kevin, and his brothers, Gerry, Stephen and Paul.

He will be sadly missed by his sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives and many friends and former colleagues on both sides of the Border.