President McAleese to join mourners at Michaela's funeral

Saturday, 15 January 2011

Alan Lewis - Photopress Belfast

The remains of murdered honeymooner Michaela McAreavey return home last night from Mauritius.

Irish President Mary McAleese will join a string of other dignitaries at Michaela McAreavey's funeral on Monday.

The family of the murdered Mauritius honeymooner accompanied her on a final journey home to Northern Ireland yesterday.

Her widower John was on the flight into Belfast that brought his wife of just 12 days back in her coffin. He wore her engagement and wedding rings on a chain around his neck.

Mrs McAreavey, 27, was strangled to death in their hotel room on Monday. Police suspect she interrupted thieves in her room taking money from a purse.

Three men have been charged in connection with the death and today officers said the alleged killers were hiding in her room when she went in.

The victim was the daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte and his wife Marian.

Mr McAreavey was accompanied on the flight by his father Brendan, his brother Brian and Mrs McAreavey's brother Mark.

There to meet them at the airport was Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey, an uncle of the groom who married them on their wedding day, December 30.

The bride's three brothers were also present to escort her body home.

The coffin was covered with a purple drape as the hearse drove from the airport. The family followed in cars behind.

The procession made its way slowly out of Belfast to Mrs McAreavey's family home near Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, where her parents awaited.

Mrs McAreavey's funeral will be held at St Malachy's Church, Ballymacilroy - the same church where she was married.