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"Kevin has over 26 years of dedicated service to An Garda Síochána and the people of Ireland," he said.

He also revealed that Garda Flatley was the "90th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the performance of duty".

Speaking in Cork to RTÉ News, Micheál Martin said he wanted to extend his "deepest sympathies to his family, to his friends and to the entire membership of An Garda Síochána".

The Irish police service, An Garda Síochána, has notified the local coroner and said inquiries are under way to identify the exhumed remains.

A spokesperson for the Gardai said: "An Garda Siochána does not comment on the detail of interactions with families. And Garda Siochána will continue to liaise with the family."