The parents of Karen Buckley, the Irish nurse murdered in Scotland, have published an acknowledgement notice thanking the community for their support following her death last year.
Her parents Marian and John, and brothers Brendan, Kieran and Damian expressed their “sincere gratitude to the very many people who went out of their way to help and support us at the time of her death and ever since”.
Ms Buckley (24) disappeared on April 12th last year after attending the Sanctuary Nightclub in Glasgow. Her remains were discovered some days later at a farm in East Dunbartonshire following an extensive police operation.
In September, her killer Alexander Pacteau was sentenced to serve at least 23 years.
A special mass to mark the anniversary of Ms Buckley's death was held on Friday night in Analeentha, Co Cork.
About 200 parishioners attended the church where Ms Buckley made her Holy Communion and Confirmation and where her requiem Mass was held.
Chief celebrant Fr Joe O’Keeffe described her as a “gentle soul” who had touched the lives of everyone she met.
In an acknowledgement published in Saturday's Irish Examiner, the family reached out to thank the network of support they had received during the search and recovery of her remains.
“It was, and continues to be, very much appreciated by all of us and our extended family,” they wrote.
"We are eternally grateful for all the heartfelt sympathy we received, the flowers and wreaths, the thousands of Mass cards from all over Ireland, Scotland and beyond; the generosity and wonderful support of our friends and neighbours in Mourneabbey and the neighbouring parishes when we needed it most."
They specifically paid tribute to the Scottish police and An Garda Síochana; the Scottish public who held vigils; those who helped with her funeral arrangements and the repatriation of her remains; her friends and colleagues.
A detailed list of all involved in the support of the Buckley family, it acknowledged everyone who played a role in her funeral mass and burial including the “landowners who made created space to accommodate the crowds”, and “everyone who helped in any way”.
“A special word of gratitude to our local priest, Fr Joe O’Keeffe, who has been a rock of support as well as a true friend throughout the trauma of the past year,” they said.
“To everyone who has shared our terrible loss please accept this acknowledgment of our profound gratitude.”
