Det Garda Adrian Donohoe blasted to death with a shotgun in January

THE family of a murdered Garda detective are to receive a special medal in his honour.

Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was blasted to death with a shotgun during the robbery at Lordship Credit Union, County Louth, in January.

It is believed his killers fled across the border to Northern Ireland after the murder.

The officer’s wife and two children are to be presented with the medal during a ceremony in Dublin Castle on Saturday.

The presentation will be made by the Irish Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, during the annual Garda Memorial Day commemoration.

Det Garda Donohoe, 41, was the first member of the police force to be shot dead while on duty since 1996.

The getaway car used by the robbery gang was found burnt out in a forest near Keady, County Armagh, days after the murder.

Police on both sides of the border have carried out searches and have issued a number of appeals for information.

One of the suspects is believed to have fled to America to avoid arrest.