MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY are being sent this morning, after the tragic news emerged overnight that a body has been found in the search for missing Cork student Karen Buckley.
A 21-year-old man, detained by police last night, was formally arrested this morning.
“I think, to be honest, it is every parent’s nightmare what has unfolded in recent days,” Tánaiste Joan Burton told the Dáil, adding that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the consulate office in Scotland are “doing everything they can to assist the family at this difficult time”.
“I am greatly saddened by the news emerging that Scottish police believe that a body discovered near Glasgow may be that of Karen Buckley,” Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said in a statement.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with Karen’s parents, John and Marian, and with all of her family and friends at this tragic time.
On behalf of the Government, I wish to express appreciation for all that has been done by the Scottish authorities, and especially Police Scotland in Glasgow, to find Karen and to support the Buckley family throughout this very difficult time.
Minister of State and TD for Cork East Sean Sherlock said it was “deeply upsetting news” for the Buckley family.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Karen in Mourneabbey, Cork, Glasgow and throughout the world.”
This afternoon, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation extended sympathies on behalf of its members to family, friends and colleagues.
“Karen was a member of the INMO as a student nurse in University Hospital Limerick,” they noted. “Her family and former colleagues in UHL are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
Friends of Karen in Glasgow have also been paying tribute this morning – with one close friend tweeting that she will be “always in my thoughts and always loved”.
Denise O’Brien, who is a friend of the girl’s family, told Live 95 that a ceremony in the local church last night was packed full of people who knew and loved Karen.
She said she found the thought of Karen’s remains being found on a farm “upsetting” because she had come from “such a loving farm”.
Locals in Mourneabbey gathered last evening for a specially-organised mass, as the search for Karen continued on the outskirts of Glasgow. Bishop of Cloyne William Crean said it was a “painful time” for the family.
Mourneabbey Community Council also thanked the neighbouring communities and the people of the country for their support and asked them to keep the Buckleys in their prayers.
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