Charlie Flanagan says Jim Cannon put his life on the line to protect Mr Flanagan's family.
A former Justice Minister is paying tribute to a Laois Garda Sergeant who's being laid to rest today.
Charlie Flanagan says Portarlington's Jim Cannon and his colleagues put his life on the line for his family.
The former garda sergeant was awarded a Scott Medal for bravery after he was injured in an IRA bombing in Garryhinch in 1976.
Gardaí were lured there by the provisional IRA who said its members were at a farm there plotting to target Mr Flanagan's father and then local TD Oliver Flanagan.
Jim Cannon's funeral mass takes place today in St Michael's Church at 12 noon.
Mr Flanagan says he'll be forever grateful for his service:
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