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Have just heard the shocking news of the death of Tyrone managers Micky Harte's daughter Michaela.  I hope its not true, god bless them all if it is

Posted this earlier after hearing reports but took it down again....alot of bad rumours coming through...May she rest in peace

Horrible horrible news.

That's dreadful. I wish the family the strength they will need.

This group of Tyrone people have had an awful amount of tragedy to deal with.

Jesus. Shocking stuff. Thoughts and prayers with the family and friends.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0110/harte.html

Just terrible.

RIP

Absolute tragedy for such a tight knit family and her new husband.  Heartfelt condolences to the Harte & McAreavey familes at this sad time.

This is so sad. The poor family.

She was on honeymoon, got married Sat week ago.

RIP.

Can't get my head around this one at all. Mickey Harte has helped so many families through so many times like this, and now he has to bear the burden. I am sure the whole GAA community will rally around to help as best as they can.

RIP.

Please be very careful quarterback and everyone else with the rumours, you just cant say those things, not yet anyway. Its not what I am hearing. Respect.

Very Sad. RIP.

Jesus that is shocking stuff!

RIP

What some people have to go through.  Just hope they can find the strength.  So tragic.
RIP 

Am in total shock.
God help her husband and the entire Harte family.
She was 2 yrs below me at St Marys, can't believe it.

Devastating news for all concerned.

An awful blow to her family. God bless them. I am lost for anything else to say. :'(

Please give this thread the dignity it deserves.

this is shocking, shocking stuff. God help her family and new husband. Words fail me.

RIP

Absolutely awful, unreal the hell some people have to go though in life.
God help her family. RIP.

Jaysus this is just terrible news... can't get my head around it at all

God help both families and all friends. RIP

Just saw this on the RTE website - absolutely shocking.
Tragic for all concerned, especially her new husband and the Harte family.

Shocking news...RIP and God bless that poor family and husband  :-[

The GAA world hearts goes out to Michaela one so young with so much to live for! i just hope her husband & family can find the strength to pull through this awful tragedy

RIP

devastating news for the Harte family and all concerned

Havent heard any of the rumours but this isnt the time or place for them.
A terrible tragedy for her, her family and her husband.
God help them all.

RIP.

God help her family and friends.

RIP

Tragic news. Condolences to both families. RIP.

From BBC

Michaela Harte, daughter of Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte has died.

Michaela Harte died while on honeymoon in Mauritius.

She had recently married County Down footballer John McArevey.

She was found dead at her hotel.

Shocking shocking shocking.......................

so hard to fathom

god love her, her husband and her family!

Horrible news.

RIP

Tommy Gorman states on RTE that she was found dead. Statement says that she was killed.

Joint statement by Bishop John McAreavey and Mr Mickey Harte
"We wish to confirm that we have received confirmation this afternoon that Michaela, married on 30 December 2010 to John McAreavey, was killed today in Mauritius where the couple were on honeymoon.   

"We ask for prayers for Michaela, John and their families and loved one.

"Both families are deeply shocked and devastated by this tragic news and they ask for privacy and space at this time of profound grief.

rest in peace.

Shocking news.

Terribly sad news,

RIP

In absolute shock. Just can't believe it.

Had the pleasure of meeting her once and feel like I know her better than I do from reading Mickey's books a couple of times.

No details given about the death whatsover. Could someone PM me if they know anything.

I just can't believe it.

RIP

God rest her. God help her husband and family. Heart goes out to Mickey. She seemed to never leave his side during all those great victories in Croke Park. He comes across as a deeply spiritual man. Hopefully it will stand to him now. Terrible terrible tragedy. Tyrone have had far more than their share....

RIP terrible news

NO-ONE deserves that! shocking news RIP and condolences to all connected to this tragic event

RIP

SAD SAD NEWS!!!!

That is shocking.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Harte family and the poor husband.

R.I.P.

I for one am in utter shock with this news. Only met the girl once - but like another poster in this thread, I felt like you got a sense of how important she was in the fortunes of Tyrone football with that youthful childhood belief in the boys of 97-98 and her dad steering the ship from what has been written about her.

Too many thoughts of too much death associated with this dynasty and I have no idea how Mickey Harte can cope with this.

Dumbfounded.

Rest In Peace.

Condolences to the family and husband of Michaela.
Very sad news.
May she rest in peace.

Just back from a funeral this morning, hard to understand this all,

Very sad news, seen a recent documentary on Mickey and he came across very religious, wish him and all his family all the strength in the world. Wish her husband and all the knew her all my sympathies

RIP

Utterly devastating news, almost impossible to take it in. RIP Michaela.

That's truly shocking news and God be with the two families involved as they try to deal with this huge loss.

Rest in Peace. 

This is just terribly shocking sad news. Words really do fail me. My sincere sympathy to all her family and friends. RIP.

As I said on the other thread, I am shocked. The poor girl, on her honeymoon, the happiest time of her life. Absolutely devastating. I cannot, nor want to, imagine what her husband and family are feeling, and of course her poor father.

unbelievable how much sadness and untimely death Mickey Harte has had to deal with, and he has always been the epitome of grace and decency. I hope his family, and himself, are helped by the wider GAA family at this horrible time, and I know they will be.

Very, very sad.

I came across this late late show rte video http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2008/0927/hartem_av.html?2428349,%20null,200

Beautiful,intelligent girl

RIP

Absolutely shocking news. God bless her and the family. Such a lovely looking girl. May she rest in peace

Hard to take in.
RIP

I am absolutely shocked by this news - i really cant believe it. My sympathies go to all the family at this truly awful time! Poor Mickey has had alot to deal with over the years - i hope the family can find the strength to get through this! RIP

Poor girl.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

Shocking news. Can't fathom what the two families must be going through now. As mentioned before on this thread there's  a group of people all connected that have had to shoulder more than their fair share of bereavement.

R.I.P

Couldn't believe it when I turned on the news.
Such a beautiful intelligent girl with her whole life ahead of her.
God help her husband and the Harte family.
A truly terrible tragedy.
Rest in peace Michaela.

dreadful news. condolences to harte and mc areavey families. RIP.

hard to take in my prayers are with her husband and her family
R I P

R.I.P

Condolences to the the family circle and close connections.

Devastating news. Condolences to both families. RIP.

RIP & Sympathies to all concerned in those families.

Simply a tragedy.

Rest In Peace

I've never met Mickey Harte but like most gaels i have admired the man and his achievements from afar.I have not always agreed with some of his opinions or some of his tactics but what I have admired is his resolution to create something and see it through to what has mostly been successful conclusions. I was always touched by his devotion to his faith and his daughter and making her pivotal in all he achieved with Tyrone was an inspiration to so many young girls to get involved in the GAA, she showed that young beautiful vibrant girls had a place in the GAA and with  her father by her side it created an image that for me pushed the image of the GAA forward  into the 21st century. The loss that must be felt by the Hartes and McAreaveys at this time is with out doubt of unimaginable proportions, they are now in a place that none of us ever want to visit but alas some of will at some time in our lives. To both families I extend my sympathy as a father and a husband  and my prayers are with you. No one man deserves to have so much tragedy bestowed upon them. R.I.P.

Jesus this news has shocked me badly. An absolute nightmare for anyone never mind a lovely, gentle women who was a great gael, on her honeymoon. Had the pleasure of meeting Michaela on a few occassions and her tragic death has left me in complete shock.
Sincere condolences to the Harte family and to John McAreavy, what he must be going through today 9 days after his wedding is unbearable.

RIP Michaela

Sad news. RIP  Was it an accident of some sort?

Life can be so cruel. feel so sorry for the family. think mickey harte just had a brother die recently too.

God help the family, especially her new husband. Jesus christ where you would start if you were that poor man

Ar dheis Dé go raibh si

Shocking and sickening news. RIP

Terrible terrible tragedy. Thoughts are with John and both families now. RIP

Terrible news, absolutely shocking. A terrible night for GAA. Awful news.
Condolences to all concerned.

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.

Mother of God what a tragedy....Mickey has had more than his fair share of grief already ....and now this...

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.

UTV saying
A joint statement from the Bishop and Mickey Harte said:

"We wish to confirm that we have received confirmation this afternoon that Michaela, married on 30 December 2010 to John McAreavey, was killed today in Mauritius where the couple were on honeymoon.

BBC saying
"It is believed she was found dead in her hotel room by her husband.

A joint statement by Mr Harte and Catholic Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey said they had been notified of the young woman's death."


You would think that news organisations would tie up with each other especially when they refer to the same statement from the families

RIP

very tragic news. May she rest in peace.

Quote from: orchard 8195 on January 10, 2011, 06:58:35 PM
Life can be so cruel. feel so sorry for the family. think mickey harte just had a brother die recently too.

he had a brother buried towards the end of last year and another brother quite ill at present. Too much for a family to have to deal with. Words fail me. Errigal have a sad time ahead but we will rally.

Micky Harte offered a lot of comfort to so many people in this situation, I only hope it will stand to him and his family now. The Harte family in Tyrone and the Mcareavey family from Down are members of the Gaa family and I know they will be taken care by the members of their local community's in Tyrone and Down ,we can only hold them all in our thoughts May Micheala Mcareavey rest in peace

Sad news. A dheis Dé ar a ainm dilis.

Awful awful news. Sympathy to the Hartes.
Anyone who read Mickeys book will know what she meant to him. Heart breaking. May she rest in peace.

Terrible news. My heart goes out to her new husband and the Harte family. RIP

Shocking news. As a father with a daughter I cannot comprehend how I could take news like this so I can only imagine what Mickey Harte and indeed John McAreavey is feeling now. My thoughts and thoughts of all Gaels are with their families this evening. RIP.

Shocked. My sympathy to husband and family.
R I P

Absolutely shocked. May she rest in peace.

Terrible and shocking news - my thoughts are with the family.

I have only seen her on that Late Late show with her father, an event only really memorable for the natural effervescence of Michaela and the obvious close relationship with her father. It would give you some idea of the utter shock of her death to her family and the sense of loss they will experience.

Terrible news - condolences to the Harte family. RIP.

Ahh this is shocking sad news , God help the Harte and McAreavey families at this time . Rest in Peace Michaela .

RIP Michaela. My heartfelt condolences to the Harte and McArevey families. There are no words to sum up this tragedy.

Another brutal body blow to the Tyrone GAA community. Why? I don't know.

May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Can't believe it. I am in utter shock. John is a good friend of mine and I knew Michaela from being at uni at the same time and through her going with John then.

She was a lovely, outgoing girl who never had a bad word about anyone.

If you would have heard the way Mickey spoke about her in his speech at the wedding last week you would know how much he meant to her, he said she was his number one fan.

Heart goes out to John and the families.

RIP.

Tragic news indeed. RIP

Terrible, terrible news. Yet another tradgedy connected with this Tyrone side who have suffered so much already. My thoughts go to the Harte and McAreavey families

Ar dheis Dé go raibh si

Christ, I'm numb here, terrible terrible news,no matter what the circumstances are two families are ripped apart at what should be a special time.
My thoughts are with both families & wider circle of friends.
Ar Dheis De Ar a ainm dilis.

its Just incredibly Sad

RIP

Its just an unspeakable tragedy. To contemplate a life ended at 27 must be unbearable. I know Micky Harte is a man of deep faith and I only hope that sustains him through his grief. I went to school with John myself, I wouldn't have been that friendly with him but he was always a very civil and decent fella. I dread to think what he must be going through at the minute.

May she Rest in Peace. Amen.

I first met Michaela at Dromantine, Society of African Missions Summer camp.   On one of the first nights of camp, unbeknown to the Priests, all the lads were playing a card game called Maverick whereby each player is given two cards and then they bet that the next card they are dealt will be inbetween (in terms of value) the cards they already have, any lost bets went to the pot. It wasn't long before the pot got out of control and there was a serious amount of cash on the table.  I ended up winning the pot and what made victory the more sweet at the time for me, as a Derry man, was that the main contributor to the pot was a Tyrone man. But unfortunately for me he was also an Errigal Ciaran man. It wasn't long before Michaela approached me, asking me to give the lad back his money.  My initial reaction was "But I won it fair and square",  within one minute Michaela had me convinced that the right thing to do was offer this lad back his money and I did.  He wouldn't take it back no matter how many times i offered.  Looking back on that now, I have no doubt that Michaela played a vital part in all of Tyrone's All Ireland successes. It's no secret the level of support that she provided her dad down through the years but she also was a reassuring presence for the players, looking out for them and helping instil belief and confidence where required.  I didn't know her all that well but anytime I saw her out in Belfast years after that card game, she would always have a smile and a hello for you.  You couldn't have met a more genuine and down to earth girl.  You will be missed Michaela, it's hard to think that you are no longer with us. Thought and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. RIP

Genuinely shocked to hear this terrible news.

Deepest condolences to the Harte and McAreavey families on their tragic loss.

May Michaela Rest In Peace.

RTE News

The Bishop who married them , John's uncle, said that they were not ruling out a crime by someone outside the family.

Hopefully not please God.

devasting news for family and husband,may she RIP.

Hotel staff are quoted as saying it was an accident of some kind.  Tragic.

Best not to speculate.

Condolences to both the Harte and McAreavy families.

I feel like I knew Michaela.

incredibly sad

shocking and sad news, my sympathies to her husband, her family and the family of her husband. RIP

It's the first death in a long time I've been genuinely shocked to hear of, especially after seeing the wedding photographs in the paper only a week or so ago, it's just very hard to believe.

Condolences to both families and may she rest in peace.

Terrible news still can't get my head round it. Sympathy to both families, John and friends. RIP Michaela.

An unspeakable tragedy. My heart goes out to both families. I read Mickey's book last year and I was full of admiration for his deep faith and how he helped so many other people who had been through tragedy. It is so sad that he now must draw on those experiences for someone so close to him. I hope he and his family, John and his family and all who knew Michaela can summon the strength to get through the next few days.

Just in and couldn't believe the news when I heard the news. Tragic and my deepest sympathies to her family. RIP

no words for this... god help them

Shocking news. RIP.

Dreadfully sad. A shocking loss to a great Gaelic family. May she rest in peace and may God give strength to those she leaves.

Unbelievably sad news about Michaela.  My condolences to all concerned.  I met Mickey at the All Ireland final this year.  He is a true gentleman. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.

Tragic altogether, obviously my thoughs and prayers will go to her husband and the Harte family, they seem like an exceptional family and I have nothing but sympathy for them at this time.

Terrible news. God help her husband and family. RIP.

I cant imagine what the Harte and McAreavey families are going through right now.
RIP

totally shocked. one of those deaths that really rock you feel so sorry for both families but especially john isolated in a foreign land with no family or friends to help him through this nightmare may god bless both families.

terrible news!! RIP

You need to edit that post football-4-life. Show a bit of respect and consideration.
Not the time or place for speculation like that

Tragic news God help all concerned...My thoughts and prayers are with both the Hartes and Mc Greavy's at this absolutely terrible time.

May she rest in peace

Best not to speculate until confirmation of the cause of death.

What a tragedy.

May she rest in peace.

Quote from: football-4-life on January 10, 2011, 10:21:23 PM
terrible news!! i have just heard that she was murdered! please tell me this isnt true!

This is getting out of hand. Can people leave the speculation until after the post mortem. 5am our time tomorrow morning. Show some sense and respect.

Quote from: sandwiches_in_the_boot on January 10, 2011, 10:25:45 PM

Quote from: football-4-life on January 10, 2011, 10:21:23 PM
terrible news!! i have just heard that she was murdered! please tell me this isnt true!

This is getting out of hand. Can people leave the speculation until after the post mortem. 5am our time tomorrow morning. Show some sense and respect.

I hope that's wrong but you get the feeling it might be right. Anyways, now is not the time. Prayers are with those who feel the lose most.

Terrible news for any family to endure, RIP Micheala...

Condolences to both families , shocking news

Bishop Mc Areavey confirmed that his use of the term 'killed' in his statement was due to the emotional nature of the news. He said there has been no suggestion of foul play and this is in the hands of the police in Mauritus.

Shocked

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

Seen that on the news just a while ago. There are no words for it. Things like that just shouldn't happen. I obviously don't know the families at all, but you can't help but be shook from hearing news like that.

Thoughts and prayers go out to them all. RIP. God love them.

Awful tragedy for both families, I can only imagine the heartbreak they're all experiencing now.

Regarding the speculation, Bishop McAreavey said this earlier:

Quote"Both families are deeply shocked and devastated by this tragic news and they ask for privacy and space at this time of profound grief," they said in the statement.

Speaking this evening, Bishop John McAreavey said " there are fears" about the circumstances of the death

"We fear something has happened but we still have so many unanswered questions ", he said in Banbridge.

The Bishop did not withdraw the earlier statement which suggested that they had heard that Michaela had been killed.

He said perhaps the statement had been made in haste but they still had genuine concerns about how she had died.

They had also heard reports that it was an accident but they just did not have enough information.

He said that Michaela was the light of her husband's life and the death had been devastating for the family.

"My strongest sense is that a light has gone out ", he said.

This is just unreal. I cannot imagine what the families are going through. May God help them all at this time of tragedy.

Shocking news altogether. Deepest sympathy to all families concerned. Michaela was a beautiful girl and great for the GAA. RIP.

Shocking news. Unbelievably sad.

Might not always have agreed with Mickey Harte on many issues but the decency always shone from him.

Tyrone football has had enough of this heartache.

Condolences to the family.

Simply shocking news. Sincere condolences to all.

As someone else said I hope the Irish authorities get diplomatic assistance to John asap it must be a very lonely place for the poor fella now.

Quote from: Doogie Browser on January 10, 2011, 11:06:43 PM
As someone else said I hope the Irish authorities get diplomatic assistance to John asap it must be a very lonely place for the poor fella now.

Can't even begin to think what he is going through out there. Michaela was his life.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh si

Can't understand or get to grips with this.  Simply awful news for all concerned but especially for a very verry nice man with a strong faith and a lovely daughter that he adored.  There is not a Gael in Ireland tonight whose thoughts are not with the Harte family. R.I.P. Michaela.

Shocking news. May she rest in peace.

I'm just a couple of years into my new family and I couldn't bear to even think about how to cope with news like her folks or her husband just got.

Deepest sympathies to both families and, sadly again, also to the wider Tyrone Gaa Community.

I just hope its not as shocking a story as they are reporting over there
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2011/01/11/mystery-surrounds-the-death-of-michaela-harte/

Quote from: Bud Wiser on January 10, 2011, 11:24:04 PM
Can't understand or get to grips with this.  Simply awful news for all concerned but especially for a very verry nice man with a strong faith and a lovely daughter that he adored.  There is not a Gael in Ireland tonight whose thoughts are not with the Harte family. R.I.P. Michaela.

I can't put it more eloquently or sincerely than you have, Bud.
RIP Michaela and condolences to her husband, family and friends

Same as that Gaa punter but it's not looking good judging by some reports from the island.
RIP thoughts with her family

RIP

Quote from: Atticus_Finch on January 10, 2011, 09:10:24 PM
I first met Michaela at Dromantine, Society of African Missions Summer camp.   On one of the first nights of camp, unbeknown to the Priests, all the lads were playing a card game called Maverick whereby each player is given two cards and then they bet that the next card they are dealt will be inbetween (in terms of value) the cards they already have, any lost bets went to the pot. It wasn't long before the pot got out of control and there was a serious amount of cash on the table.  I ended up winning the pot and what made victory the more sweet at the time for me, as a Derry man, was that the main contributor to the pot was a Tyrone man. But unfortunately for me he was also an Errigal Ciaran man. It wasn't long before Michaela approached me, asking me to give the lad back his money.  My initial reaction was "But I won it fair and square",  within one minute Michaela had me convinced that the right thing to do was offer this lad back his money and I did.  He wouldn't take it back no matter how many times i offered.  Looking back on that now, I have no doubt that Michaela played a vital part in all of Tyrone's All Ireland successes. It's no secret the level of support that she provided her dad down through the years but she also was a reassuring presence for the players, looking out for them and helping instil belief and confidence where required.  I didn't know her all that well but anytime I saw her out in Belfast years after that card game, she would always have a smile and a hello for you.  You couldn't have met a more genuine and down to earth girl.  You will be missed Michaela, it's hard to think that you are no longer with us. Thought and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. RIP

Lovely story about a lady that any father would be very proud of. Lets all say a prayer for both families.

Still can't get over the shock of the news

Condolences to both families

RIP

As a father of 2 daughters, I can't even attempt to imagine how utterly devastating this must be. Sincerest condolences to all of the Harte family and to the groom and his family. I'm sure the good people of Tyrone and Down will support the bereaved at this most awful of times, it just seems so wrong and so unfair that something like this could happen.

Havent been this shocked about a death for quite some time and cant even begin to understand what John and both families are going through. I hope they find the strength they need to come to terms with this horrific news. My prayers go to all concerned.
Rest in peace

Quote from: GAA_Punter on January 11, 2011, 12:18:07 AM
I just hope its not as shocking a story as they are reporting over there
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2011/01/11/mystery-surrounds-the-death-of-michaela-harte/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-12157888 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-12157888)

BBC reporting similar now as well!

And locally...

http://www.lematinal.com/faits-divers/9465-Une-Irlandaise-de-28-ans-Michaela-Harte-tuee-dans-un-htel-5-etoiles-lundi.html# (http://www.lematinal.com/faits-divers/9465-Une-Irlandaise-de-28-ans-Michaela-Harte-tuee-dans-un-htel-5-etoiles-lundi.html#)

Truly shocking news.
RIP.

Totally shocked at this news. Can even begin to imagine what John had to discover. Never met her but she came across as a really nice lass. My prayers are with the Harte and McAreavey families.

May she rest in peace.

Said on RTE one of her brothers and one of John's brothers is flying out to Mauritius today, it must be the lonliest place in the world right now for her poor husband.

The updated news this morning has just made this a whole lot worse for the families involved, hope they find the perpetrator. May she RIP.

No family should have to deal with a tragedy like this.

Deepest sympathies to both families.

Absolutely shocking news and terribly sad.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh si

According to u.tv they have "identified six potential suspects and were confident of an arrest later today". Also in the report "the killer had used an electronic keycard to enter the room".

QuoteThe updated news this morning has just made this a whole lot worse for the families involved, hope they find the perpetrator. May she RIP.

Agreed. Absolutely frightening and such a tragedy

Totally shocking news havent been able to stop thinking about it since yesterday evening.

RIP

RIP

That's going to be a very hard one to take. Terrible news.

This is just truly terrible - went to bed last night thinking that things couldnt get any worse but this story just is absolutely heartbreaking. Hope justice is served very quickly and this doesnt drag on over days and weeks! My prayers are with the Harte's and John!

A fine GAA person has lost a daughter and a man has just lost his new wife, that is an absolute tragedy regardless of the circumstances.

R.I.P.

Still finding it very hard to take in...such an innocent loving girl with so much to live for....May god help the famlies

God rest her soul and comfort the poor grieving families.
She was a great Ambassador for the GAA on TV and elswehere.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis. Shocked and numb at this news. A lovely, real genuine down to earth beautiful young woman, a Gael and a Gaeilgeoir. My heart goes out to John Mac and all the families concened.
'Ní neart go cur le cheile'

My deepest sympathies to the Harte family and to her Husband, was absolutely shocked to hear this terrible news yesterday.
RIP

I feel so sorry for John the husband and Mickey the father. It is the absolute worst nightmare of any husband or parent.  She had everything to live for and in a few minutes it was taken away from her.   

Go raibh ceol na naingil ina chluasa aici.

An absolute tradegy which is very difficult to comprehend.

Rip Michaela.

Greatest sympathies for both families.

May God give them the strength to get through this very difficult time.

absolutely shocking news. cant get my head round it all.

deepest sympathies to the harte and mcareavey families.

http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2011/01/11/police-have-six-suspects-in-michaela-harte-murder/

Just read this article there now, really  hit home:

http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/
(http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/)

Lynda and I met Michaela Harte when her father brought her into the UTV studios some years ago when he was there for an interview. It is easy to say now that they were the perfect father-daughter combination, but you get a sense of these things, and I trust mine almost as much as I trust Lynda's – and we both thought the same.

What a shock to hear that Michaela has gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hartes and the McAreaveys.

Mickey Harte did the most wonderful thing for me once. I asked if he would help a young man who was dying of cancer by letting him watch Tyrone train ahead of the 2003 All-Ireland Final. He did, and he ensured the team treated young David Gillespie as a superstar. But that is what decent people do. Mickey went the extra mile. He let it be known he did not want to read of David's passing in the papers; he wanted a call. And I am afraid he got it the weekend after he took his Tyrone team to Croke Park.

Mickey visited David's mum and dad during the wake. Anne could not believe it when she saw Mickey Harte in his match day suit at their front door – so imagine how she felt when Mickey stood back to reveal the entire Sam Maguire winning team were also there, in their match day suits, to pay their respects to a boy they had met for only half an hour.

It was an act of uncommon humanity in the midst of terrible grief for the Gillespies and unprecedented celebration for Tyrone GAA.

It is hard to take on board that a man who did so much for a mother and father who suffered the loss of a child now has to experience even more sudden and unexpected loss himself.

Quote from: nrico2006 on January 11, 2011, 09:19:37 AM
Just read this article there now, really  hit home:

http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/
(http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/)

Lynda and I met Michaela Harte when her father brought her into the UTV studios some years ago when he was there for an interview. It is easy to say now that they were the perfect father-daughter combination, but you get a sense of these things, and I trust mine almost as much as I trust Lynda’s – and we both thought the same.

What a shock to hear that Michaela has gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hartes and the McAreaveys.

Mickey Harte did the most wonderful thing for me once. I asked if he would help a young man who was dying of cancer by letting him watch Tyrone train ahead of the 2003 All-Ireland Final. He did, and he ensured the team treated young David Gillespie as a superstar. But that is what decent people do. Mickey went the extra mile. He let it be known he did not want to read of David’s passing in the papers; he wanted a call. And I am afraid he got it the weekend after he took his Tyrone team to Croke Park.

Mickey visited David’s mum and dad during the wake. Anne could not believe it when she saw Mickey Harte in his match day suit at their front door – so imagine how she felt when Mickey stood back to reveal the entire Sam Maguire winning team were also there, in their match day suits, to pay their respects to a boy they had met for only half an hour.

It was an act of uncommon humanity in the midst of terrible grief for the Gillespies and unprecedented celebration for Tyrone GAA.

It is hard to take on board that a man who did so much for a mother and father who suffered the loss of a child now has to experience even more sudden and unexpected loss himself.

Tears in my eyes reading that nrico.

RIP michaela beautiful intelligent girl. god rest her soul.

On behalf of all posters at ReservoirDubs.com I'd like to express our deepest sympathies to the Harte family to John's family and to the Tyrone and Down GAA families at this terrible time. God rest her.

shocking shocking news. also as a father to a little angel, I cannot begin to imagine what Micky and both families are going through. I hope they garner the strength from somewhere to get through this as best they can. RIP Michaela

Just can't get my head round this at all. That poor poor girl. God rest her.

Absolutely shocking and very hard to take in due to the nature of when and how it happened.  Deepest sympathies to the Harte and McAreavey family. 

Quote from: Doogie Browser on January 11, 2011, 09:25:55 AM

Quote from: nrico2006 on January 11, 2011, 09:19:37 AM
Just read this article there now, really  hit home:

http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/
(http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/)

Lynda and I met Michaela Harte when her father brought her into the UTV studios some years ago when he was there for an interview. It is easy to say now that they were the perfect father-daughter combination, but you get a sense of these things, and I trust mine almost as much as I trust Lynda's – and we both thought the same.

What a shock to hear that Michaela has gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hartes and the McAreaveys.

Mickey Harte did the most wonderful thing for me once. I asked if he would help a young man who was dying of cancer by letting him watch Tyrone train ahead of the 2003 All-Ireland Final. He did, and he ensured the team treated young David Gillespie as a superstar. But that is what decent people do. Mickey went the extra mile. He let it be known he did not want to read of David's passing in the papers; he wanted a call. And I am afraid he got it the weekend after he took his Tyrone team to Croke Park.

Mickey visited David's mum and dad during the wake. Anne could not believe it when she saw Mickey Harte in his match day suit at their front door – so imagine how she felt when Mickey stood back to reveal the entire Sam Maguire winning team were also there, in their match day suits, to pay their respects to a boy they had met for only half an hour.

It was an act of uncommon humanity in the midst of terrible grief for the Gillespies and unprecedented celebration for Tyrone GAA.

It is hard to take on board that a man who did so much for a mother and father who suffered the loss of a child now has to experience even more sudden and unexpected loss himself.

Tears in my eyes reading that nrico.

I was welling up too, what an extraordinary story. Should be pinned to the top of the forum. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal

RIP Michaela. Still can't believe it myself, i can't even try to imagine what John and Michaela's family are going through right now. As everyone stated Micky and Michaela seemed to be so close and had the perfect father-daughter relationship.

Micky has a very strong catholic faith and i just hope it helps him through this terrible time in his life, i played football against John and have been in his company before for a few pints and he's a gentleman and a really nice lad.

As so many others have said, sad and shocking news - my sympathies to all involved.

Absolute tragedy, very hard to take it all in, I can't imagine how the families must be feeling.

Deepest sympathies to the Harte and McAreavey family. RIP

Really am shocked by this news and the nature of her death, has only made the reality of the situation alot worst. I can't get the thoughts of this out of my head since I heard about it late yesterday afternoon, to the extent I was waking up last night in bed thinking about it. Now that is just me, a nobody with no connection to the family, so I ask myself how extreme are the turmoils each of the family members associated with this tragedy must feel, and I can't even start to understand the place they are now in. My heart goes out to each and every one of them, especially Mickey and his immediate family, and her husband John. What a tragedy

Quote from: DubOnHoliday on January 11, 2011, 09:32:35 AM
On behalf of all posters at ReservoirDubs.com I'd like to express our deepest sympathies to the Harte family to John's family and to the Tyrone and Down GAA families at this terrible time. God rest her.

That will be very much appreciated by all the members of this board DOH as indeed it would be by the families and friends of Michaela.  Thanks.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sad-tribute-from-priest-who-watched-beautiful-young-woman-grow-up-2491115.html?service=Print

Sad tribute from priest who watched 'beautiful young woman' grow up
By Francis Mooney
Tuesday January 11 2011
Mickey Harte's life-long friend, Fr Gerard McAleer, last night paid tribute to "a beautiful young woman" who had never been happier.
Fr McAleer, who baptised Michaela 27 years ago and officiated at her wedding less than two weeks ago, spoke of her love for the GAA, her pride in her family, and her joy at beginning married life with her husband, John McAreavey.
"I knew Michaela from the day she came into the world on the last day of the year in 1983, I baptised her. I have seen her grow up.
"I watched her go to primary school, go to the convent and go on to be a teacher.
"I have seen here grow into a very beautiful young woman, intensely interested in the GAA, intensely proud of her family, intensely proud of her mum and dad, very, very well adjusted, just somebody you could be very, very proud of.
"I'm stunned, we use words like this at times of intense tragedy, words like unbelievable," he said.
Fr McAleer concelebrated the wedding Mass along with the groom's uncle, Bishop John McAreavey, in St Malachy's Church, Ballymacilroy, on December 30, an occasion that brought untold happiness to Michaela.
"I never saw her happier than she was on her wedding day. She was radiant. She couldn't have been happier.
"The family were saying to me how proud she was that day, content, looking forward to the future.
"It was a happy day for everybody," he added.
It was Fr McAleer's friendship with Mickey Harte that saw him develop a deep interest in Gaelic football coaching and management.
- Francis Mooney

What can be said that hasn't already been said.

Deepest sympathies to the families and friends in what can only be a horrible, horrible time in their lives.

Such a shocking tragedy. Heartbreaking.

My prayers are with the Harte and McAreavey families.

May she rest in peace.

Sincerest sympathies to the Harte and McAreavey families.  It's difficult to see where the strength would come from to get through this, but I hope they get that strenght. 

Sudden death from natural causes is bad enough, but given the circumstances and while on honeymoon, the tragedy is magnified.

Tragic is an understatement.

What a tragedy. Someone so young to be murdered at the prime of life and when just setting out on her new life with her husband. Sincerest sympathy to the Harte family and to her new husband John. I can not imagine what they must be going through. RIP Michaela

Quote from: Kerry Mike on January 11, 2011, 08:08:31 AM
The updated news this morning has just made this a whole lot worse for the families involved, hope they find the perpetrator. May she RIP.

My thoughts exactly Mike. As if her loss was enough heartache for them.... to find she died in such circumstances....

First post on here for many months, but like Shawshank, agree that there is a surreal feel to this. Though I too never met Micheala personally there is a sorrow and numbness associated with this that to be honest has reduced me to well up on several occasions - and I cant remember the last time that happened!

A lot of posters have articulated their feelings better than i possibly could, but having read Mickeys book, its clear that Michaela was Mickeys personal inspiration, as well as the shining star in his life. The very best thing we could possibly do, on Mickeys behalf, is storm heaven that God is merciful with her beautiful soul.

All Ulster Gaels unite in a show of strength that might give some comfort to those most deeply affected by this tragedy.

Im very shocked and saddened by the news.
My heart goes out to the Harte family and friends and the people of Tyrone.

RIP

As posters have stated, there is a really surreal feeling to all of this.  Absolutely devastated for the family, friends and for her husband as well as god only knows what that man is going through right now out there on his own.  Really is hard to comprehend what has happened, you never think much of these things in the news until it happens locally.  I dont know how a family gets over something like this, I just hope they find the strength to do so.  RIP.

Absolutely tragic! May she rest in peace.

Quote from: nrico2006 on January 11, 2011, 09:19:37 AM
Just read this article there now, really  hit home:

http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/
(http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/)

Lynda and I met Michaela Harte when her father brought her into the UTV studios some years ago when he was there for an interview. It is easy to say now that they were the perfect father-daughter combination, but you get a sense of these things, and I trust mine almost as much as I trust Lynda's – and we both thought the same.

What a shock to hear that Michaela has gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hartes and the McAreaveys.

Mickey Harte did the most wonderful thing for me once. I asked if he would help a young man who was dying of cancer by letting him watch Tyrone train ahead of the 2003 All-Ireland Final. He did, and he ensured the team treated young David Gillespie as a superstar. But that is what decent people do. Mickey went the extra mile. He let it be known he did not want to read of David's passing in the papers; he wanted a call. And I am afraid he got it the weekend after he took his Tyrone team to Croke Park.

Mickey visited David's mum and dad during the wake. Anne could not believe it when she saw Mickey Harte in his match day suit at their front door – so imagine how she felt when Mickey stood back to reveal the entire Sam Maguire winning team were also there, in their match day suits, to pay their respects to a boy they had met for only half an hour.

It was an act of uncommon humanity in the midst of terrible grief for the Gillespies and unprecedented celebration for Tyrone GAA.

It is hard to take on board that a man who did so much for a mother and father who suffered the loss of a child now has to experience even more sudden and unexpected loss himself.

Thats amazing.

The area locally here is in total shock. People lastnight were shocked and saddened to a massive extent but we woke this morning to hear that she had been murdered! Unreal, a nightmare, how her husband and her family are to deal with this I do not know. This sort of thing should just not happen. Pray for them.

Terrible news. May she rest in peace.

Totally shocked by this awful news my thoughts and prayers are with the Harte family. I never had the pleasure of metting mickey but he is  a man i greatly admire as he allways appears gracious be it in victory or defeat . A blind man could see the bond between him and his daughter Michaela and as a father myself i can only imagine what he and his family is going through . May she rest in peace   

Tragic.

Having a daughter myself I can't get this out of my head.

Thoughts are with her family and friends.

To describe this as heart wrenching would be an understatement.

I didn't know Michaela, I spoke to her once when she happened to be standing beside me at a game. Seemed a lovely girl. As other have said, it seems strange that you sort of felt you knew her just by seeing her with her father. The poor families must be going through hell.

Words on a page dont and never will suffice at a moment like this. No-one that young should ever be taken away, and no-one should ever be taken away in the way it seems she has.

The GAA is a community, always has and always will, and right now and in the days, weeks and years to come them families will need the support of that community like never before.

Quote from: mhacadoir on January 11, 2011, 10:59:31 AM


The GAA is a community, always has and always will, and right now and in the days, weeks and years to come them families will need the support of that community like never before.

As an ordinary member of that GAA community, from Down, and not even knowing the girl, God grant her rest, or indeed her husband or family, I am as devastated by this news as if I was part of them all. The prayers and thoughts of every GAA member are with her father, mother, brohers and John. Just too awful.

Tragic, may she rest in peace

Absolutely awful news. R.I.P

Terrible news on what should have been such a happy time in their lives.

May she rest in peace.

Quote from: amallon on January 11, 2011, 11:52:33 AM
Terrible news on what should have been such a happy time in their lives.

May she rest in peace.

Aidan

It would appear that "Mayobridge" is spelt incorrectly on your profile. Must be an Armagh bug.

Terrible, terrible tragedy. My thoughts are with her husband and family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

Sad tragic news. Sincere sympathy to their families who have to bear an unimaginable grief in the weeks and months ahead. God help them.

Obviously we can't really speculate on how see met her death, after reading some reports about this island it seems that Rohypnol or GHB has been used on many cases involving young girls.

Terrible for the family to have live with the death of a love one but in the manner which this has happened can only be worse.

The news is truly heartbreaking, made all the worse by the fact it was a murder. All I can think this morning is where is the fairness in the world when a kind and generous woman is robbed of her future and a kind and generous family is robbed of a daughter. I don't know how the families are going to be able to cope with this terrible reality but I hope that somehow they can find the strength to do so.

What a tragedy. Can only echo the sentiments on here. Shocked when I heard the news.

A dreadful cloud on the year for all in the GAA.

R.I.P.

Read Mickeys book last year and you got a sense of what she was like as a person,he and her seemed closer than usual.Mickey mentioned her numerous times throughout the book and she def inspired him.Reading stories about her today like making buns for tyrone players, and knitting for them makes this sadder.Makes you wonder about the world and type of place it is.

Quote from: nrico2006 on January 11, 2011, 09:19:37 AM
Just read this article there now, really  hit home:

http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/
(http://mikenesbitt.co.uk/2011/01/10/michaela-harte/)

Lynda and I met Michaela Harte when her father brought her into the UTV studios some years ago when he was there for an interview. It is easy to say now that they were the perfect father-daughter combination, but you get a sense of these things, and I trust mine almost as much as I trust Lynda's – and we both thought the same.

What a shock to hear that Michaela has gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hartes and the McAreaveys.

Mickey Harte did the most wonderful thing for me once. I asked if he would help a young man who was dying of cancer by letting him watch Tyrone train ahead of the 2003 All-Ireland Final. He did, and he ensured the team treated young David Gillespie as a superstar. But that is what decent people do. Mickey went the extra mile. He let it be known he did not want to read of David's passing in the papers; he wanted a call. And I am afraid he got it the weekend after he took his Tyrone team to Croke Park.

Mickey visited David's mum and dad during the wake. Anne could not believe it when she saw Mickey Harte in his match day suit at their front door – so imagine how she felt when Mickey stood back to reveal the entire Sam Maguire winning team were also there, in their match day suits, to pay their respects to a boy they had met for only half an hour.

It was an act of uncommon humanity in the midst of terrible grief for the Gillespies and unprecedented celebration for Tyrone GAA.

It is hard to take on board that a man who did so much for a mother and father who suffered the loss of a child now has to experience even more sudden and unexpected loss himself.

That story tells the world the kind of man Mickey Harte is.
Heartbreaking news.
RIP Michaela

One of my favouite parts of Mickey's book was when Michaela thought it would be a good idea if the entire team were able to sing the National Anthem before each game as an act of unity amoung them. Mickey agreed and she taught them word for word in the Irish language. I can still picture that scene in Croke Pak in 2005 facing Kerry.


My thought's and prayers are with John and all of Michaela's family and friends.

I think she was also the brains behind the team CD for 2003 where they all had a song each that meant so much to them, for example Cormac's was 'Gold' by Spandau Ballet.  'Little things' that Mickey references so often in his book that contribute so much to greater success.

Quote from: Doogie Browser on January 11, 2011, 01:11:07 PM
I think she was also the brains behind the team CD for 2003 where they all had a song each that meant so much to them, for example Cormac's was 'Gold' by Spandau Ballet.  'Little things' that Mickey references so often in his book that contribute so much to greater success.

This may have been the case in 2003 also. It's just the scene in 05 sticks out for me.

Shocking stuff!

Really feel for mickey, an out and out gentleman.

Quote from: Zapatista on January 11, 2011, 01:16:10 PM

Quote from: Doogie Browser on January 11, 2011, 01:11:07 PM
I think she was also the brains behind the team CD for 2003 where they all had a song each that meant so much to them, for example Cormac's was 'Gold' by Spandau Ballet.  'Little things' that Mickey references so often in his book that contribute so much to greater success.

This may have been the case in 2003 also. It's just the scene in 05 sticks out for me.

She was a key component in the background in so many 'little' things that all helped the team.

Absolute tragedy, devastasting for everyone involved. 

That story from Nesbitt reminded me of Brolly's article about Brian Og McKeever.  I cut and paste the relevant section below.

Quote"Some weeks ago, the family asked me to ring Mickey Harte to see if he would pray for them. It was the day after Mickey's road accident and despite the pain of broken ribs, Mickey came to the house the following day and prayed with them, something for which they are deeply grateful."

We hope Mickey's strong faith, and his family's, will somehow find him the strength and wherewithal to deal with something very few of us will have to experience. He'll find no end of comfort from those around him and beyond. John McAreavey and his own family's plight can often be forgotton in media reports. We can only hope he can find some method of coping to get through the immediate future. Unimaginable grief, anger and bewilderment.

Quote from: ONeill on January 11, 2011, 01:47:11 PM
We hope Mickey's strong faith, and his family's, will somehow find him the strength and wherewithal to deal with something very few of us will have to experience. He'll find no end of comfort from those around him and beyond. John McAreavey and his own family's plight can often be forgotton in media reports. We can only hope he can find some method of coping to get through the immediate future. Unimaginable grief, anger and bewilderment.

well said.

something like this i'm sure would test the most devout of men's faith, hopefully it helps him cope

Quote from: DirtyDozen12 on January 11, 2011, 10:49:13 AM
As posters have stated, there is a really surreal feeling to all of this.  Absolutely devastated for the family, friends and for her husband as well as god only knows what that man is going through right now out there on his own.  Really is hard to comprehend what has happened, you never think much of these things in the news until it happens locally.  I dont know how a family gets over something like this, I just hope they find the strength to do so.  RIP.

+1

Tragic news for Harte and McAareavey families, Michaela McAreavey R.I.P.

I have been in complete shock, since the news broke yesterday afternoon. I've been unable to think of much else since and have even dreamed about it last night. It's a testament to the woman, as I've never had the pleasure of meeting her, that her untimely and horrific death can feel so personal to each of us.

I hope that the Harte's strong faith will stand by them in the difficult days, weeks and months ahead, as it will be a very testing time for them.

I've delayed posting here for nearly a full day, so I could have the right words to express with I'm feeling and the Gaels across Ireland and the world. Unfortunately there are no words.

My thoughts are with the Harte and John's families and I will pray for the extra strength you shall need.

Michaela RIP

I am just stunned. Absolutely heart breaking. And so random, if the Irish Times report is true. I've no idea how her husband or parents will be able to cope with this. And she always seemed such an effervescent, happy person when you'd see her at a game or on the tv. Just tragic.

Maybe it was the innocent beauty of the girl and her love and enthusiasm for her father and her football, maybe its the sheer wastefulness of a well lived young life stolen in its prime, or the loss of a life long relationship for a young husband, or  that perhaps the most successful and tragic times in Tyrone GAA will always be associated with her and her father.  Whatever it is, people everywhere are numbed by this, this is as tragic as it gets for the Hartes and the McAreaveys, for their families and friends.  God bless them all. 

Quote from: ONeill on January 11, 2011, 01:47:11 PM
We hope Mickey's strong faith, and his family's, will somehow find him the strength and wherewithal to deal with something very few of us will have to experience. He'll find no end of comfort from those around him and beyond. John McAreavey and his own family's plight can often be forgotton in media reports. We can only hope he can find some method of coping to get through the immediate future. Unimaginable grief, anger and bewilderment.

Well said O'Neill.

Indeed. The Harte's will have the support of a wide community to help in their terrible tragedy and people will rally around the McAreaveys too. But poor John McAreavey has had to bear the immediate crisis without support close at hand, it hardly bears thinking about.

One of the news reports said this morning that British diplomats were on the scene which if true would have been a great help to John. Nearest Irish embassy was S Africa and they arrive today according to the news.

Johns brother and Mark Harte are on there way out also, should be there tomorrow. Still in shock over this, was welling up listening to talk back today God only know what the families and close friends are going through.

Almost 24hrs later and I am still stunned by the news. I never met her but have met Mickey several times and he is the most genuine person you could ever meet. You hear so many stories of Mickey being there for so many families at their time of need including the McGirrs and McAnallens all those years ago but for him and his family to now have to bear that grief for his only daughter and the circumstances of her death really saddens me. There are no real words to express my sympathy to both families but just hope their faith, prayers and the support of their communities see them through this tough time. RIP

That little girl by her Daddy's side,
Engaged, clued in,
That little girl her Daddy's pride,
His shining light within

'97 and heartbreak for Paul,
'98 first Minor then U21 by two,
That little girl had read the runes
Thus far her word was true

Then 2003 and Heaven's Door,
As that little girl had said,
All those years before,
And still by her Daddy's side

2004 and Cormac's cruel blow,
Not just now by her Daddy's side,
But for each and ev'ry soul,
A towering rock by every side

2011 and two SAMs more,
That little girl was wed,
The happiest couple on a foreign shore,
It can't be that she's dead

That little girl by her Daddy's side,
Engaged, clued in,
That little girl her Daddy's pride,
Will be his shining light within, always

RIP Michaela, and God's Strength John.

For John McAreavy to have to find what he did and have to deal what the aftermath on his own is unthinkable. I can not begin to imagine what he must be going through. I hope his faith ,or otherwise, can help him through it. My thoughts are with him and the Harte family. R.I.P.

Really am totally shocked by this. I suppose it's when it happens "closer to home" these kind of things kick in.

   I first heard this news yesterday afternoon. My first emotion was one of shock and then extreme sadness for the suffering of John Mc Arevey and the Harte and McArevey families. As news filtered through last night about the nature of Michaela's death the situation just seemed to sad to comprehend. I waited until today to post my condolences to the Harte and McArevey families in the hope that I could find appropriate words to express how I feel. Alas no words are adequate to describe what has happened or how I feel. As the doting father of two daughters I offer my prayers for the families, Rest in Peace Michaela McArevey. I just hope prosecutions are cleared up quickly so as not to inflect more suffering on all concerned.

Well said, FoSB.

Just reading the latest piece on the Irish Times site and you couldn't but be brought to tears. A truly awful event.

May she Rest in Peace

Am still shocked on this, have been checking to see that it was some sick hoax, hard to comprehend and take in that she is dead.

Cormac McAnallen and Paul McGirr will take her gently by the hands and lead her on her way. RIP

Language is totally inept in attempting to convey emotions when such a trajedy occurs.

I am very sorry for your loss.

Mickey Harte will be on RTE and UTV tonight at 6pm for those interested.

Quote from: Norf Tyrone on January 11, 2011, 04:35:28 PM
Mickey Harte will be on RTE and UTV tonight at 6pm for those interested.

God help him through it, don't know how you could deal with it.
Glad he is speaking though to put an end to some disgusting reporting/guessing on the tragedy from some outlets.

Quote from: Norf Tyrone on January 11, 2011, 04:35:28 PM
Mickey Harte will be on RTE and UTV tonight at 6pm for those interested.

Mark Sidebottom was saying this morning on the radio he was expected to talk to the media this afternoon. Sidebottom also said in all his time both privately and professionally he has never come across a more heartbroken house as the Harte household today. Sad times.

So sad RIP

RIP Michaela

I am so so saddened about this, keep thinking about Michaela, the Harte family and poor John. I cannot fathom what they are going through right now and no amount of words can express my sympathy for them all.

May she rest in peace.

Like everyone else I feel numb, shocked and helpless at this news. I wish there was something I could do to give some comfort to the Harte and McAreavey families, but there isn't.

The esteem in which Michaela was held can be seen by the reactions on this thread - from every county in Ireland people have nothing but good things to say about her.

May God give strength and resilience to the bereaved in the days and nights ahead. RIP Michaela.

Very very sad news, RIP

So sorry to hear the news.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and close friends.

R.I.P.

Mickey Harte has this evening told of his family's devastation and the loss of their daughter and sister Michaela, following her death in Spain yesterday.

"This is our day to bare this cross," he said.

"We just love our Michaela, she was such a good girl.

"Every father would have said that about their daughter, but I can say it without a shadow of a doubt - she was a gem and we will always remember her.

"What a day she had on her wedding day, she was just radiant.

"A beautiful girl, and I just love her to bits, and so does our whole family. We just are so devastated."

This is the statement issued by Tyrone GAA Manager Mickey Harte, on behalf of his wife Marian and his three sons Mark, Michael, and Matthew.

``We are devastated but heartened by the support we have got throughout the community, throughout the GAA community, throughout the wider community in the north, throughout Ireland and across the water.

``We are grateful for that. Thank God for great people.

``Michaela was a lovely girl, a wonderful daughter, a brilliant sister for these boys and we will always treasure her.

``She was a beautiful girl. She couldn't be better, couldn't be nicer. God love her, we are so, so sorry.

``We are equally sorry for poor John her husband whom she adored. He adored her.

``They did not get so long to share their lives with each other. It is such a shame. Our hearts are broken.

``A lot of people have had this experience before. We have tried to empathise with them. But you can't get the feeling unless you have been there.

``And God save anybody having to go to this place.

``But we thank God for the people who are there, the support that is there, and the prayers that are there. We know they are coming in thick and fast, and it is so good at this time. We need that.

``And we need the bit of privacy now. This is how we feel.

``Many people have felt like this in the past and this is our day to bear the cross.

``We just loved our Michaela. She was such a good girl. Every father says that about their daughter, but I can say that without a shadow of doubt.

``She was a gem and we will always remember her.

``What a day she had on her wedding day. She was just radiant, a beautiful girl, and I just love her to bits. So did her whole family. We are so devastated.

``The McAreavey family are so special to us to. There is a special bond. John is a special lad. You have to be special if you're going to be Michaela's husband.

``John is out in Mauritius. He is isolated out there. It has been an awful time. Our hearts go out to him and I would ask everyone to please respect his privacy.

``The lad is devastated. He is our son-in-law. He is a wonderful young man. Please lay off.

``We are speaking on his behalf. We are devastated. Through us, he wants us to say to leave him alone. He is in such a lonely place and even his own family members are not out there yet.

``I have had 27 years with a lovely wonderful girl, who grew up into a beautiful lady. She was radiant and so, so special. She will always be special to me and this family.

``We will miss her so much. But we will love her to bits. Her spirit is with us. It has to be now. How else could I say this, if it wasn't.

``This is the worst nightmare that anyone can imagine. If you think things can be bad, then you go beyond that because that is where we are.

``This is too horrible to contemplate. We are just all devastated. It is the worst of the worst and our hearts are broken.''

My own heart is breaking as I read that. Tears in the eyes for all of us - as we think of our own families, and daughters, and sisters and mothers. They didnt have to take her wee life. Such a loss.

That news report would have took a tear out of a stone. God bless them

Jeez lads that was a tough watch there. Measure of the man that he could speak as eloquently as that with what he is going through.

That was one of the most heartbreaking things i have ever seen...Would bring tears to a stone is right
Having been this affected by someones death that i didn't really know since Cormac's in 2004...Just so hard to get your head around
RIP Michaela I hope Paul and Cormac take care of you up there

Takes a lot to make me cry but watching Mickey there now set me off.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0111/hartem.html#video

Don't know how he did that, great man, so sad.

Was one of the saddest interviews i've ever seen.

Just watched Mickey make that statement on the news.
Desperately, desperately sad stuff.
And yet such is the quality of the man he can come out and face the cameras and speak honestly and openly.
The sheer pain of the loss was etched on his face.
God love them all, such a thing to endure.

Such a dignified family. I do not know how they had the strength to face the media. Heart wrenching.

Just watched the interview on utv - I don't know where Mickey gets his srength from - God help the families in the days, months and years to come.  This tragedy has really hit the GAA family across Derry and I'm sure the rest of the world.  It is a measure of the family's standing how this has personally effected us all. 

We will be praying for you all and hopefully you will be able to come through this.

Rest in peace.

That was tough to watch, God only knows what it is like for them.

I'm doing my best to think of an equivalent to Michaela anywhere in the Gaa and can't think of anyone. We sort of saw her grow up with Tyrone's success. Padraig Harrington's little boy in the golf world possibly when he won his majors but his success was over a short period and he is still a little lad.

But certainly in the Gaa world Michaela was unique.

RIP and sincere sympathies from a Castlebar Mitchel.

http://www.u.tv/utvplayer/video/134501/109764/ce1398b8-9367-4779-8914-10e203107e47 (http://www.u.tv/utvplayer/video/134501/109764/ce1398b8-9367-4779-8914-10e203107e47)

Heartbreaking, I don't know how he found the strength to do that.

It's tragic, after the amount of people Mickey has given strength to in their own times of grief, that he should have to face this burden.

That interview on RTÉ was heart-wrenching. Mickey Harte deserves such credit for talking in such circumstances. I nearly broke down looking at the pain on the face of the poor son on Mickey's right - Matthew I think? This is just so tragic on so many levels. I hope that, as Mickey requested, Michaela's husband John is left in peace out there. I fear that won't be the case.

I'm in bits here, my god how do those close feel.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on January 11, 2011, 06:39:45 PM
That interview on RTÉ was heart-wrenching. Mickey Harte deserves such credit for talking in such circumstances. I nearly broke down looking at the pain on the face of the poor son on Mickey's right - Matthew I think?

Yep, Matthew on his right, Michael on his left.

Awful waste of a life. Feel sorry for the immediate family and her husband who will be tormented with what ifs. I'm sure everyone who knew her are devastated as it seems she was genuinely a really nice person - I would say Rois knew her well so sympathies to all family and friends. 

A truly horrible situation and my thoughts and condolences are with the two families. As Tyrone supporters we have seen at first hand the close relationship between Mickey and Micheala Harte and the way she was very much part of that special group who came through terrible times to bring success to the county. It beggars belief that like Paul McGirr and Cormac McAnallen she has now passed away at such a young age. Mickey himself has been a tower of strength to many people at difficult times and it's cruel indeed that his own family has now suffered such a terrible and totally unexpected loss. I hope the Harte and McAreavey families are given the privacy they have requested.

RIP Micheala.

Shocking news altogether. My sincerest sympathies to her husband John and all her family and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raimh a anam

Quote from: Puckoon on January 11, 2011, 06:08:28 PM
My own heart is breaking as I read that. Tears in the eyes for all of us - as we think of our own families, and daughters, and sisters and mothers. They didnt have to take her wee life. Such a loss.

thats what i cant understand either puckoon, if they were going to rob the room, rob it and head on. scummy b**tards and cowardly b**tards into the bargain. Through all the grief you cant help being so fuckin angry too.

That is some man, I have tears in my eyes after watching that, God bless both families and I hope they can find some kind of peace in the weeks and months ahead.

Tyrone has suffered enough of late and I hope this is the last tragedy for a long time to come out of there.

Quote from: Hoof Hearted on January 11, 2011, 07:26:20 PM

Quote from: Puckoon on January 11, 2011, 06:08:28 PM
My own heart is breaking as I read that. Tears in the eyes for all of us - as we think of our own families, and daughters, and sisters and mothers. They didnt have to take her wee life. Such a loss.

thats what i cant understand either puckoon, if they were going to rob the room, rob it and head on. scummy b**tards and cowardly b**tards into the bargain. Through all the anger you cant help being so fuckin angry too.

How did they even think they were going to get away with the robbery never mind anything else - surely only a few people would have access to the room by that means (as is clear now with the murder investigation). All the slagging, rows and rivalry we're all the one family and she's one of us - it makes me so angry. 

Mickey is truly an exceptional man to have such reserves of character that enabled him conduct that interview so articulately. His compassion for his son in law was so genuine. He obviously has some faith. His sons looked buckled with grief. God help them all....

Watched the two news bulletins on UTV and BBC and then read this thread for the first time.

Heart-wrenching news that has touched us all. I met Michaela a couple of times but did not know her. I honestly don't think I have had such a feeling of loss for someone I did not know.

I pray that the opportunity to lay Michaela to rest comes without unnecesary delay. A shocking tragedy.

Condolences to the family and especially to John. May she rest in peace.

Quote from: ross matt on January 11, 2011, 07:34:59 PM
Mickey is truly an exceptional man to have such reserves of character that enabled him conduct that interview so articulately. His compassion for his son in law was so genuine. He obviously has some faith. His sons looked buckled with grief. God help them all....

The poor son on the left of the picture was really struggling to keep it together. I found it awful hard to watch as someone who had no connection to any of those involved, it's impossible to imagine what the families are going through.
Even Bryan Dobson seemed to be a bit choked up after it.
I just hope all the support and sympathy from across the island, and undeniable faith that Mickey has, will help them get through this.
And poor John, her husband. What he is having to deal with.... All the 'what ifs' going through his mind. So far away, with nobody he knows. Thank God there are people on their way out to him - he'll need it.

watched the news and was close to tears, never met her, but like most people was deeply moved by the strenght of the family. may god help them in this time of need

Usually find it very difficult to feel any genuine emotions when something happens to people I don't know personally, but it was impossible not to be moved watching Mickey there.

Watching the News would break your heart. Throughout the years after Tyrone's thriumphs when pictured together you knew they were close...but after watching Micky speak about his daughter you realise how they meant to each other & the whole family. Shows the quality of the man to be able to speak like that

Condolences to the the Harte & McAreavey Family & their friends & especially John. The pain John must be in at present would be hard to put into words. They should be celebrating only the beginning of their life together. Its is still hard to believe & I hope they are able to cope in the next couple of weeks.

RIP Michaela

For someone so crushed he was an absolute tower of strength.

jesus that was tough to watch, god knows what it must of been like for him and the lads to stand in front of the camera like that.
well done Logie for the way he has conducted the whole media side of this, nice to see someone with a bit of compassion deal with it.

As someone already said, I struggle to connect to these incidents when watching from afar. But you'd have a heart of stone if you weren't moved by that.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Your heart aches for the man, for someone to have to go through his fathers death, Paul McGirr, Cormac MacAnallen and give so much comfort to others, and then deliver that speech is something else. I'd settle for having a fraction of the mans dignity and faith
RIP

I dont think I've ever seen anything quite like that before.
It's so immensely sad that its beyond words.
God help the two families and I hope justice is served, it might bring them some peace in the months and years to come.

Watched that on UTV with my 80yr old father. We both cried and cried no shame I have never done that in front of him before. Christ that was the hardest thing I have ever watched. I just wanted to put my arms around those poor lads and Mickey and squeeze them. God give them strengh.

Truly devastating news for the whole community.  Can't even begin to imagine what her husband must be going through out there now by himself.  It really puts a lot of your own troubles and problems into perspective when something like this happens within our own society.

Quote from: Minus15 on January 11, 2011, 07:40:45 PM
Watched the two news bulletins on UTV and BBC and then read this thread for the first time.

Heart-wrenching news that has touched us all. I met Michaela a couple of times but did not know her. I honestly don't think I have had such a feeling of loss for someone I did not know.

I pray that the opportunity to lay Michaela to rest comes without unnecesary delay. A shocking tragedy.

Condolences to the family and especially to John. May she rest in peace.

I'd agree 100% with that. I've often thought that expressions of sympathy which pour out from sites like this can be somewhat hollow in relation to people we don't know but this seems different somehow.

Senseless waste of such a precious young life with so much to live for.  Unbelievably tragic. No words can convey the pain  and utter despair that the Harte and McAreavey families must be feeling now.  No family should have to endure this. God help them.

I just watched the interview with Mickey Harte in full on RTE's website. All I can say is the man is incredible and an inspiration even while in such obvious pain and distress.

Micky Harte is a great ambassador for both the Irish & GAA community.

He is a true credit and his faith is incredible.

The interview was painstakingly difficult to watch.

Again my thoughts are with both families.

Very interesting and very Brave

Tyrone to fulfil McKenna Cup fixture
11 January 2011


Tyrone County Board have said that they expect their senior side to line out against Fermanagh in the McKenna Cup on Sunday.

The county and Gaels nationwide haven been in mourning following the tragic death of manager Mickey Harte's daughter Michaela.

However, the O'Neill County have announced this evening that they will fulfil the game with the blessing of their manager.

"The only thing that will prevent that happening is the remains coming home or a possible funeral," explained Tyrone PRO Damian Harvey.

"Mickey Harte has given his blessing for Tyrone GAA activities to continue."

i listened to mickey hartes statement on today fm and my eyes just welled up so so sad and yet again just shows what a great couragoues man Mickey is . 

Watched Mickey's interview on BBC News 24.  He just makes me proud to be in the GAA.  So dignified, genuine and articulate. 

RIP.

Heart wrenching interview altogether...may God give them
strength in the days, Weeks and indeed years ahead.
RIP Michaela.

Quote from: mattockranger on January 11, 2011, 09:03:42 PM
Very interesting and very Brave

Tyrone to fulfil McKenna Cup fixture
11 January 2011


Tyrone County Board have said that they expect their senior side to line out against Fermanagh in the McKenna Cup on Sunday.

The county and Gaels nationwide haven been in mourning following the tragic death of manager Mickey Harte's daughter Michaela.

However, the O'Neill County have announced this evening that they will fulfil the game with the blessing of their manager.

"The only thing that will prevent that happening is the remains coming home or a possible funeral," explained Tyrone PRO Damian Harvey.

"Mickey Harte has given his blessing for Tyrone GAA activities to continue."

I think it could be a good way for the GAA community to come out and show their solidarity with the families. Although it won't be easy for the players or the fans to 'enjoy' the game.

Very, very sad.

Sincere condolences to her husband John and the Harte family.

RIP

Only after watching that interview, he is a brave man. I am very emotional here after watching it.

Hope Brian McAreavey and Mark Harte reach John as soon as possible, I can't begin to think the hurt he is going through out there. He is a strong person the best of times but this will push anyone.

Quote from: Sportacus on January 11, 2011, 09:26:59 PM
Watched Mickey's interview on BBC News 24.  He just makes me proud to be in the GAA.  So dignified, genuine and articulate. 

RIP.

+1

Such is the unfairness of life when people like him who has contributed massively and through his well considered articulation has inspired the world in which he lives in has to face such a tragedy.  My heart goes out to both the families involved.

I'm full of emotion, sadness with anger coming to the forefront now. Really can't comprehend this at all.

Just saw Mickey talking to the cameras there on the National ITV news! Sat here in England watching the pain Mickey is going through is hard to take and extremely surreal! I really hope the family find strength from all the good will and prayers the whole country is offering them!

Hard to believe the same wedding chapel now has the funeral coming up.
And the funeral could be a week away, who knows when Mauritius enquiries are finished.

Lovely picture of the two of them the day after the wedding, was a fireworks display for them.

(http://i55.tinypic.com/27ytj78.jpg)

How is that poor lad every going to be able to face pictures like that?  :(

Was nice to hear Cardinal Brady sent a priest to be with John as soon as he heard.

I have read this thread in its entirety.  I cannot add more to what has been said. Shocked and saddened. 

Heart breaking. RIP

RIP

i still can't take in this latest tragedy which has befallen tyrone gaa and the harte family in particular. condolences to the mcareavey family aswell, what must that lad be going through out there?

i think there will be no dissenting voices when i say that every gael's thoughts from every county in ireland are with those families directly affected by this terrible tragedy. mickey has always come across as a true gentleman, indeed he's an ambassador for everything that's good about the GAA. i hope mickey's strong faith will give him and his family the fortitude to get through the tough times that lie ahead. our thoughts and prayers are with both families and friends affected by this terrible waste of a young life.

RIP michaela.

Since hearing the tragic news yesterday afternoon, I have been in a state of shock.
As a relative of Michaela I have known her all her life. She was one incredible woman, and words cannot
describe how I feel right now. From an early age, Michaela could light up a room with her energy, and she
truely was a beautiful person. Her relationship with her father was amazing, and I don't know of a father daughter relationship that could compare to the one she had with Mickey. It truely was unique.

Watching Mickey tonight with Mattie and Michael really hit me hard, and I cried rivers of tears.
Mickey has had a lot to deal with over the years, and the way he spoke tonight was something special.
How they are going to cope over the coming days is beyond me. I know they have incredible faith,
and hopefully that will see them through the dark days ahead.

We have had some incredible days in the sun here in Tyrone over the past number of years with success on the field, and with it, we have had incredible sorrow. However, this latest tradegy to hit us, has hit us hard.
Throughout Ireland and futher afield right now, people are coming together and sharing the pain for Michaela and John, her husband. At this time, we are all one.

Michaela, you were one in a million, a true gem. I will never forget your love and friendship, and may your time spent among us during your 27 years with us be an ispriration to another generation to come. I will always love you and treasure the time we had together.

Reast in Peace Michaela.

Been in absolute shock since this news yesterday. Feel so sad and devastated so i cant begin to imagine how her poor husband and family are feeling. Its beyond all comprehension. I literally cant think of anything else at the minute. By all accounts a lovely kind girl who will be missed more than could ever be put into words by those close to her.
Cried my eyes out watching Mickey Harte and the two boys on the news this evening. Even in his grief he was so dignified but the pain etched on all their faces was totally heartbreaking. May god give her husband and family all strength and take them through these dark dark days.
RIP Michaela

Have been off this site for a good few months, but in Barcelona atm and only heard about this awful event this evening. I can do nothing but offer my deepest sympathies and prayers for Michaela and for John and the Harte family.

I feel like someone close to me has died. Yet I have only ever met her once. An Irish princess. Still in a state of shock and disbelief. Why oh why has this happened?
To Michaela's family all I can say is when someone you deeply love dies part of you dies.
  Mickeys face in his interview with the news tonight, was very heartbreaking to watch. The love dignity and courage he displayed will last with me for a long time. Not to forget Michaelas poor broken hearted mother. A woman we never hear or seldom see. Yet its with great credit to her and Mickey  for the up bringing  they gave  their beautiful daughter, she became the lady she was.
Since 1997 and the death of Paul Mc Girr I adopted Tyrone as my own County and followed them ever since. That story has been one of triumph and tragedy. Happiness and sadness.
Living from home for 15 years now, my one ambition in life was to see Tyrone on the big stage. I got to see them win the All-Ireland in 2008. After the final whistle I sat in the Hogan stand feeling very emotional thinking of Paul Mc Girr, Cormac McAnallen, John Devines father who had just died. Never in my wildest nightmares would I expect such a tragedy to fall on Michaela.
To the Harte/McAreavey families who have lost a daughter daughter in law, a sister, a wife God bless I am truly sorry for your devastating loss. I wish there was something I could do. Until your own name is called you are going to have to live the rest of your lives the way Michaela would have wanted you to. The next few years are going to be very tough.
Ireland has lost their princess our own "Roisin dubh". Very, very sorry this has happened.
Go dtuga Dia agat ina lámha agus tú a choinneáil go deo

Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on January 11, 2011, 03:43:27 PM
That little girl by her Daddy's side,
Engaged, clued in,
That little girl her Daddy's pride,
His shining light within

'97 and heartbreak for Paul,
'98 first Minor then U21 by two,
That little girl had read the runes
Thus far her word was true

Then 2003 and Heaven's Door,
As that little girl had said,
All those years before,
And still by her Daddy's side

2004 and Cormac's cruel blow,
Not just now by her Daddy's side,
But for each and ev'ry soul,
A towering rock by every side

2011 and two SAMs more,
That little girl was wed,
The happiest couple on a foreign shore,
It can't be that she's dead

RIP Michaela, and God's Strength John.

Always enjoy reading your posts John. I new at this tragic time your first comment would be special. This poetry should be in Michealas Mass card. Absolutely brilliant. What a tribute to one of Irelands finest daughters.

Three men charged, aged 29, 33 and 41. Two with murder and one with conspiracy to murder.

Just listened to Cormac McAnallen's mother talking about the Hartes on the radio. Very impressive lady and again confirmed what dignified families the Harte's and McAreavey's are. Also Fr McAleer painted a wonderful picture of Michaela and John. Their faith is obviously a huge part of their lives and I hope they all find the stregth in the coming days, weeks and years ahead to come to the terms with what has happened.     

Just listening to RTE there and they have said that 2 room attendants and a supervisor are to be charged.


It doesnt bear thinking about what John is going through.  Watching the news last night and watching them two young fellas and their father was harrowing to watch!

Quote from: Joxer on January 12, 2011, 08:38:40 AM
Just listening to RTE there and they have said that 2 room attendants and a supervisor are to be charged.


It doesnt bear thinking about what John is going through.  Watching the news last night and watching them two young fellas basically hold their father up was harrowing to watch!

I got the impression from the interview it was Mickey holding the two boys up. Don't know how they didn't break down completely.

From RTE:



Police in Mauritius are expected to charge three men today in connection with the murder of Michaela McAreavey.

The 27-year-old daughter of Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte was on her honeymoon on the Indian Ocean island.

The three men arrested are from Mauritius and are employees of the hotel where Mrs McAreavey was found dead two days ago.

Two are room attendants and the third is a supervisor. They are Avinash Treebhoowoon 29, Raj Theekoy, 33, and floor supervisor Sandip Moneea, 41.

It is understood that two of the men face a provisional charge of murder, while the other faces a provisional charge of conspiracy to murder.

Mauritius police inspector Ranjit Jokhoo said it is too early to say exactly how many people were involved in Mrs McAreavey's death.

Mrs McAreavey was found dead in her hotel room by her husband John on Monday.

A post mortem examination found that she had been strangled.

At a news conference this morning, which coincided with the start of the court appearance, police said when returning to their room, John found his wife's body in water in the bath.


According to police, they are confident they have the main culprits in connection with their investigation.

Mrs McAreavey's brother and brother-in-law are expected in Mauritius today, as is the Irish Ambassador in South Africa Brendan McMahon.

Mickey Harte yesterday thanked all those who have offered support to the family following his daughter's death and appealed for respect for the privacy of his son-in-law.

Quote from: Don Johnson on January 12, 2011, 08:57:26 AM

Quote from: Joxer on January 12, 2011, 08:38:40 AM
Just listening to RTE there and they have said that 2 room attendants and a supervisor are to be charged.


It doesnt bear thinking about what John is going through.  Watching the news last night and watching them two young fellas basically hold their father up was harrowing to watch!

I got the impression from the interview it was Mickey holding the two boys up. Don't know how they didn't break down completely.

Say they were holding each other up.  Was desperate to watch and must make it 10 times worse when they cant do a thing about it when it happens on the other side of the world.

I still can't get my head around it. If they were robbing the place could they not just have tied her up or something, why oh why did they have to kill her, it makes me so angry that these inhumane animals could do such a thing while poor john was so close by.

The interview with micky would bring tears to a stone surely, logan was the perfect man for the job. I hope and pray Brian gets out to John soon and has arrived before the court appearance, how john is meant to hold it together is beyond comprehension.

Why do the bad things always happen to good people, it just makes me wonder about life and God and how micky maintains his faith is superhuman.

God help everyone affected. It is beyond words at this stage.

Absolutley shocking news and watching Mickey Harte speak about his daughter last night was heartbreaking.May she rest in Peace.

Mickey Harte was incredibly dignified on that clip. The pain must be overwhelming but he got a very important message out. It
was a tribute to the man he is. 

It  reminded me of a poem by Mairtin o Direain called "Dinit an Bhroin".  Fair play too to Adrian Logan for a very  sensitive  interview.     

Just on the news there that Mickey has made a statement that he wants Tyrones McKenna Cup game to go ahead.  Seems like the magnetic strip on the door entry lock records on computer is all the evidence or most of the evidence they will need.  Unbelievable that a supervisor gave the card to them to rob the room but as someone has alreadyt said, why did the animals have to do what they did?  They must be the lowest form of life on this planet.

Quote from: Tubberman on January 12, 2011, 09:21:57 AM

Quote from: ross4life on January 12, 2011, 09:16:11 AM

Quote from: Zapatista on January 12, 2011, 09:10:59 AM

Quote from: ross4life on January 12, 2011, 08:54:11 AM

So it was the hotel Staff! who probably planned to rob but ended up killing Michaela. i just hope justice is done to those three now

They should face trial first. Probablys do no one justice.

Im sure they were seen on CCTV entering the room & bringing them to justice might bring small comfort to the Harte family & John

No, there is no CCTV in the corridoors outside the rooms according to reports. It's mainly around the perimiter of the resort.
From listening to the radio, the justice system in Mauritius works differently to ours. At the start of the investigations, the suspects are charged with the most serious charge they could be guilty of. As the evidence is analysed etc, those charges can be reduced. So I wouldn't necessarily make the assumption that those are going to be the final charges.

Maybe a different thread in the non-gaa section should be created for the court proceedings. I think this thread is more for messages of sympathy and support.

+1
Discussion of the details of this horrific crime doesn't belong in this thread.

QuoteI still can't get my head around it. If they were robbing the place could they not just have tied her up or something, why oh why did they have to kill her, it makes me so angry that these inhumane animals could do such a thing while poor john was so close by.

Agreed. It's a messed up world isn't strong enough.

If the measure of a person is their behaviour in adversity, Mickey Harte is a remarkable man. Watching that interview was heart-wrenching. I could not have done what he did. He would not have wished to be tested like this, but his dignified demeanour, at a time when he and his family desperately need the support of the community was uplifting. It actually seems to reassure that community itself that his family is well served and has great strength to draw on in this awful time.

(Fear ón Srath Bán, those were well composed words.)

Quote from: Hardy on January 12, 2011, 10:33:38 AM
If the measure of a person is their behaviour in adversity, Mickey Harte is a remarkable man. Watching that interview was heart-wrenching. I could not have done what he did. He would not have wished to be tested like this, but his dignified demeanour, at a time when he and his family desperately need the support of the community was uplifting. It actually seems to reassure that community itself that his family is well served and has great strength to draw on in this awful time.

(Fear ón Srath Bán, those were well composed words.)

Dínit an Bhróin


Nochtaíodh domsa tráth
Dínit mhór an bhróin,
Ar fheiceáil dom beirt bhan
Ag siúl amach ó shlua
I bhfeisteas caointe dubh
Gan focal astu beirt:
D'imigh an dínit leo
Ón slua callánach mór.
Bhí freastalán istigh
Ó línéar ar an ród,
Fuadar faoi gach n-aon,
Gleo ann is caint ard;
Ach an beirt a bhí ina dtost,
A shiúil amach leo féin
I bhfeisteas caointe dubh,
D'imigh an dínit leo.


The Dignity of Grief


Grief 's great dignity
Was revealed to me once
On seeing two women
Emerging from a crowd
In black mourning
Each without a word:
Dignity left with them
From the large and clamorous throng.
A tender was in
From a liner in the roads
And everyone was rushing,
There was tumult and loud talk;
But the pair who were silent,
Who walked out on their own
In black mourning
Left with dignity.
Máirtín Ó Direáin

Nice piece by MoM

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/michaela-was-truly-special-and-i-was-privileged-to-have-known-her-2492724.html
Michaela was truly special and I was privileged to have known her'
By Micheal O Muircheartaigh
Wednesday January 12 2011
I was listening to RTE radio in a manner that could never be replicated with television; I was conscious of the words flowing forth but yet busy in concentration on some other matter.
Suddenly two words resonated through the airwaves -- Michaela Harte -- and immediately they captured my full attention.
Before long I had the initial story about the tragedy that had befallen the young lady from Tyrone who lost her life while on honeymoon in Mauritius with her husband of less than two weeks, John McAreavey from Down.
To say that the news was heart-rending would be an understatement from anyone who ever had the privilege of meeting Michaela and getting even a glimmer of the wonderful human being she was.
I can say that I had the honour on many occasions over the past 15 years or thereabouts of talking to her and from the start she impressed me as somebody who was really special.
She always looked well, she smiled with ease and grace, smiles of inner happiness, she spoke in a friendly manner, mostly in the Irish language and never once can I recall her being other than positive and hopeful about the future.
I remember that she spoke to me in Irish on our first meeting and expressed her great interest in the language and of course in Gaelic football as well.
Understand
The latter was not difficult to understand because she was the daughter of Mickey Harte and football had been part of the Harte household for decades.
Michaela was always at Mickey's side at training sessions and at matches 'big and small' throughout the country.
Somehow I soon regarded her as almost a member of the teams managed by her father and it was obvious a very special bond existed between the pair.
To me that mutual understanding had many elements; and pride, faith and hope would be among them but above all loyalty to each other and the great 'cause' of Tyrone football.
Before long I began to believe that both were on a mission, one that would bring the county to the pinnacle of senior success in time. It is possible that the vision was hatched in Michaela's mind.
The Gaelic world is well aware of the great days that brought that to reality with Michaela ever a part of the 'team'. Without ever gloating over the fantastic successses she witnessed there was no doubting her admiration for the players who led the way and brought the Sam Maguire Cup to the county on three occasions.
Meanwhile, she had completed her third-level education in Saint Mary's College in Belfast and often told me about her good progress with the Irish language.
Soon she began her teaching career and quickly became popular with pupils, fellow teachers and parents alike.
The world appeared at her feet and her marriage to John was hailed far and wide. And then suddenly those words from the radio scattered sadness and disbelief throughout the country and beyond.
It must be completely beyond the ability of the Harte and McAreavey families to make sense of the sequence of events that led to the tragedy of the death of one so perfect as the Michaela that I was proud to call a friend.
Our sympathies go forth to them and if it's any consolation there were not too many humans over the ages with the characteristics that almost pre-ordained that heaven was made for such.
A few lines from a poem on the death of a young person by Padraig Pearse are appropriate.
'Ag gabháil an tsléibhe dom tráthnona,
Do labhair an éanlaith liom go brónach,
Labhair an naosc binn 'san crotach glórach,
Ag faisnéis dom gur éag mo stórach.
Brón ar an mbás ní féidir é shéanadh.
Leagann sé úr agus críon le chéile.
The words tell how nature, birds and all proclaim the sad news of the death of one so young. And how at times death treats both young and old with disdain.
- Micheal O Muircheartaigh
Irish Independent

Still shocked over this as indeed most people seem to be. We were on the terrace in Mullingar last night expressing our disbelief at the tragedy when a sssshhh started working its way down the terrace (there was no PA system). Upon looking out at the field everyone was stationed with their heads bowed and instinctively everyone knew what was going on and who the minute's silence was for. It was impeccably observed.

May the Harte's and McAreavey's somehow find the strength to overcome this grief and may she rest in peace.

Quote from: Baile an tuaigh on January 12, 2011, 06:08:20 AM
Always enjoy reading your posts John. I new at this tragic time your first comment would be special. This poetry should be in Michealas Mass card. Absolutely brilliant. What a tribute to one of Irelands finest daughters.

Quote from: Hardy on January 12, 2011, 10:33:38 AM
(Fear ón Srath Bán, those were well composed words.)

Go raibh míle maith agaibh a chairde. Added an additional verse, couldn't leave it with that stark finality.

Just after reading the entire thread. Unbelievable & tragic.

God must've needed another angel.

RIP Michaela.

Condolences to the Harte & McAreavey Families.

Just lost for words, the intereview on TV was complusive viewing, very dignified and articulate. There world has fallen apart. RIP

Would the fellas that have been charged be stupid enough not to know that their swipe card identified them, considering they worked In the hotel would they not know this? You just hope they got the right people and not just the first few that came to hand to quell the bad publicity.

Any messages of condolences can be sent to the Harte family, via Tyrone GAA. Email them at pro.tyrone@gaa.ie

Deeply shocking news. RIP Michela.
Always had great respect for Mickey Harte but after watching that interview yesterday I was lost for words how the man can still show so much humility and dignity. He is a credit to Tyrone and Ireland and my prayers are with him, his family and the Mc Areaveys.

It's taken me a bit of time to compose myself but here goes :

I don't know the Mc Areavey family but from what you see and hear,  they are very respectable  people. As Mickey Harte said in his interview, John Mc Areavey had to be a very special man in order to marry Michaela which speaks volumes for the man that he clearly is.  With all the talk of the Harte family and Mickey's huge profile, one can easily lose sight of the fact that a young man has lost his newly wedded wife and his life is now in ruins. I don't want to forget about the Mc Areavey family and would remind people of the incalculable loss that is being felt by all sides.

It's remarkable that although not known to everyone, her death has caused such widespread pain and sadness, even by those that didn't even know her or who never had the pleasure of meeting her. The number of people, myself included, who on hearing the news or watching television footage have shed tears is incredible. Women, children, grown men, perceived hard men all have been moved  by this shocking and unimaginable event. Like the family, everyone is searching through the wreckage for some sort of meaning. As Mickey said to Mark Sidebottom yesterday, he is looking for a meaning for this but like the rest of us, right now we can't find one. God knows if we ever will.

Mickey Harte, his wife and children have always been one of the nicest, most decent, courteous, mannerly and above all else Christian families I have ever encountered. They were and are the epitome of all that is good in Irish society, all that is positive about us as a race.

To rear such a beautiful child as Micheala and to have to bury this child is simply beyond comprehension. Having to bury a child is surely one of the hardest events that a parent could ever be asked to deal with. Burying a child, this child in particular, under these particularly horrific circumstances must constitute the greatest test of a person.

Mickey and his family have great faith and I hope that this faith in God stands to them at this most difficult of times.

Mickey and the Harte family have travelled the length and breadth of Ireland and beyond, consoling and sympathising with other grief stricken families who have lost dear ones. I'd say there's hardly a county in Ireland that Mickey hasn't visited in order to provide comfort to other families. How ironic and cruel it is for such tragedy to now visit them and in Mickey's words, it's their time to carry the cross. But such a cross to be asked to carry !.

I've no doubt that the GAA fraternity who have so often listened to Mickey's  inspirational words will rally round and support the Harte and Mc Areavey families at this tragic time. Mickey has dealt with tragedy before, but nothing can possibly prepare them for this. If anyone can deal with such adversity, Mickey can.

I trust that the Harte and Mc Areavey families will find comfort in the messages of sympathy and support that are coming in from every part of the globe.

There is something inherently wrong and cruel about this death on an island described by some as paradise – look at the picture postcard hotel, the scenery, the beautiful ocean, the sand, the palm trees, the swimming pool – two lovely young people on honeymoon, starting out on life's journey together, with the world at their feet.




Fiona Looney in today's Irish Mail wrote about Michaela and I will try and post it on here later on. But the stark headline read " People like Michaela light the way for all of us".  Fiona Looney talks about Michaela and how her loss is felt by everyone and how this great loss is accentuated by the fact that Michaela "really did represent everything that was good and decent about us".

May she rest in peace with the Angels in Heaven and may the light that she shone throughout her too short life never be extinguished. May that radiant light continue to shine on her husband, Mickey, Marion and her brothers and the entire Harte and Mc Areavey families and on all of us who feel such loss.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Well said OM!

You did your composition time justice there om.

I know there's the Tyronegaa book of condolences but, going by the reaction of Stephen McGahan's family to the same gesture, it might be a good idea to get this into some form of edited condolence from this gaaboard thread. Some heartfelt contributions. Ziggy'd be the man.

Still can't put into words exactly how I feel, some of the lads here have already captured my thoughts better than I ever could. I'm simply heartbroken and I'm not one to get too emotional about death but this tragedy has impacted upon me in a real way even though I never met Michaela. Mickey Harte's courageous statement only served to underline the greatness of the man and my own sorrow at this awful event. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Quote from: ONeill on January 12, 2011, 05:53:19 PM
I know there's the Tyronegaa book of condolences but, going by the reaction of Stephen McGahan's family to the same gesture, it might be a good idea to get this into some form of edited condolence from this gaaboard thread. Some heartfelt contributions. Ziggy'd be the man.

I've no problem with doing this, if everyone is happy for me to do this. I'll also consult with the Tyrone County Board next week, as they are doing something similar on their own website.

Well said OM.  That was a perfect post.

I don't know the Harte or McAreavey families but I was very shocked to hear of this tragedy the other evening.  From reading the stories that have been posted in this thread about both Michaela and Mickey it can do nothing but make you smile.  Without knowing either family you can see the respect that both families have from the wider communities.

Rarely has the death of someone I have never met brought out so many emotions within me.  Shock, sadness and even anger towards those that could commit such a heinous act.  It says so much about Mickey and his family that they could face the cameras so soon after this tragedy and speak with such dignity without ever letting his anger show.  I could not do that.  It was great to hear Mickey speak of Michaela's husband John in the way he did yesterday.  A man that was put in a position that no man ever should.  I feel so sorry for him and the fact he had to face this tragedy all alone with no loved ones within 100's of miles.

This tragedy has been felt far and wide and both the Harte and McAreavey families will be in my prayers over the next few days.

May Michaela Rest In Peace

Very well put orangeman.

Quote from: ziggysego on January 12, 2011, 06:17:21 PM

Quote from: ONeill on January 12, 2011, 05:53:19 PM
I know there's the Tyronegaa book of condolences but, going by the reaction of Stephen McGahan's family to the same gesture, it might be a good idea to get this into some form of edited condolence from this gaaboard thread. Some heartfelt contributions. Ziggy'd be the man.

I've no problem with doing this, if everyone is happy for me to do this. I'll also consult with the Tyrone County Board next week, as they are doing something similar on their own website.

Fire away Ziggy.

http://www.tyronegaa.ie/bookofcondolence/

Well done Orangeman. Your sentiments speak for many. I havent got the words or the ability to describe how I feel but I am so deeply sorry for both families. Micheala represented all that is beautiful about the our beloved GAA.

I am really reluctant to speculate as it may not be the time or the place but I just really do not like the way the Maritiaus tourism minsiter was on TV talking about how safe it was and how this was the only murder, then all of a sudden they had made arrests quickly followed by even quicker admissions. I just hope it is the truth that is coming out and not some government led cover up.

I think the speculation and discussion of the case should be kept to the Non GAA thread and leave this one for sympathies.
http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=18254.0

Quote from: ziggysego on January 12, 2011, 06:17:21 PM

Quote from: ONeill on January 12, 2011, 05:53:19 PM
I know there's the Tyronegaa book of condolences but, going by the reaction of Stephen McGahan's family to the same gesture, it might be a good idea to get this into some form of edited condolence from this gaaboard thread. Some heartfelt contributions. Ziggy'd be the man.

I've no problem with doing this, if everyone is happy for me to do this. I'll also consult with the Tyrone County Board next week, as they are doing something similar on their own website.

Just a suggestion but maybe Give her Dixie would be keen to give you a hand as a relation of the Hartes.

-Very well put Orangeman

very hard to watch micky last night. i think he handled himself very well, i know i could never have done it he is a great man. everyone in work was talking about him its not surprising that we all admitted to crying. how can things like this happen to great people it just is'nt fair.

folk should stop bitchin about money etc and count their blessings- spend time with your family what would micky harte give for 5 more minutes with his daughter 

Thanks for that Orange man...Like someone else said i having got the words or the  ability to write down the way i feel about this but the way you put it was pretty much perfect

Very eloquent OM and perfectly put.

Quote from: tbrick18 on January 12, 2011, 07:38:39 PM
Very eloquent OM and perfectly put.

x2. Bullaí fir Orangeman.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0112/mcareaveym.html

QuoteMeanwhile, John McAreavey has spoken out for the first time about the murder of his wife.

In a statement, Mr McAreavey said: 'Words have no meaning.

'My beautiful wife, my best friend, my rock Michaela, has been taken from me and I still can't take it in.

'Our hopes, our dreams and our future together are gone. I am heartbroken and like Mickey, Marian, Michaela's brothers and my family, I am totally devastated.

'I am numbed.

'I love my wife, very, very much and my world revolved around her. I can't describe in words how lost I feel as Michaela is not just the light of my life - she is my life.

'I appreciate all the prayers and messages of support. I pray that God gives us the strength and faith that Michaela has, to cope with our horrific loss.

'She is a gift from god and I now have an angel.

'Our families now need the time, privacy and space to make the necessary arrangements to take Michaela home.'

Heartbreaking to imagine what he's going through.

Superbly put Orangeman, a credit to you. Very moving reflection.

My deepest sympathies to the Harte and McAreavey families on the lost of Michaela. RIP

I'm sure the Tyrone Co. Board will have the preparations for Michaelas funeral well in hand along with both families but not everyone who would like to attend will be able to, given that we wer discussing tonite that maybe every club at least in Ulster could maybe send a representative wearing their club jersey as a visual mark of the solidarity the greater GAA family has with both families.

That's a very good idea

Look UTV and the rest dont care. Used Aiden to get interview after forcing him to leave last year!

Quote from: mylestheslasher on January 12, 2011, 07:11:34 PM

Quote from: ziggysego on January 12, 2011, 06:17:21 PM

Quote from: ONeill on January 12, 2011, 05:53:19 PM
I know there's the Tyronegaa book of condolences but, going by the reaction of Stephen McGahan's family to the same gesture, it might be a good idea to get this into some form of edited condolence from this gaaboard thread. Some heartfelt contributions. Ziggy'd be the man.

I've no problem with doing this, if everyone is happy for me to do this. I'll also consult with the Tyrone County Board next week, as they are doing something similar on their own website.

Just a suggestion but maybe Give her Dixie would be keen to give you a hand as a relation of the Hartes.

-Very well put Orangeman

Orangeman, your words were so well put, and you really summed up the feelings of not only everyone in Tyrone, but across Ireland and beyond.

It would be an honour to help out in any way in getting these messages to the Harte family, and I can honestly say, the messages over the previous 24 pages are very moving. I know for sure that the family will greatly appreciate these messages.

I was up at the house this evening, and it was just heartbreaking. As expected, the family are in pieces, and it was impossible to find words to say at this time. They are a broken family, and hopefully through time, the pain will ease a bit. They still don't know when Michaelas remains will be home, but hopefully it should be very soon.

Michaela was one truely special person, and in her 27 short years, she touched the lives of a lot of people. Her light will still burn bright and I am honoured to have known such a beautiful person.

May she rest in peace.

Let me just say that i am devastated about what has happened. To think of the suffering the Harte family has endured since Monday is incomprehensible. I would like to say that i am sorry for them and their pain. Mickey must have a faith that is beyond the vast majority. To lose such a wonderful woman is just not fair. I give my sympathy to the family and to all who have bore a similiar cross. I don't have nay way of conveying a message to the family so hopefully someone can arrange for all these comments to be forwarded to the county board perhaps.

Time to heal.

what can I say, I am totally shocked. I have been a friend of Micky's all my life or at least this last thirty years when we went to college together. I remember when Michaela was born . she was the golden girl . I watched her grow as she came to visit numerous times . She was a lady and one of the most sincere and honest girls I had the pleasure of meeting. From the times her father and I ran the summer schools until the nights we would sit in Micky's to the late hours argueing the merits and demerits of our respective counties, Micheala just sat in awe of her father and he in deep love for her. Any man who has a daughter can certainly empathise.
I remember her crying at her grandfathers funeral , a little girl whose love knew no bounds. When she spoke her eyes lit up and that magic smile permeated all.
I sit and write this as a man who cannot in any way comprehend the pain the Harte family are going through all I know is Micky is strong in faith and this is god's way of testing him. All the speculation in the world will not ease that pain. I have always said people like Micheala Harte/ McAreavey pass this  way but once , on doing so leave an indelible mark on the all  those that have  had the pleasure of meeting her. Her untimely death should be a reminder to us all that though her journey was short the memories will be long. 
I find it difficult sometimes to express my feelings ,like a lot of men they are sometimes  hidden well below .. It takes a lot to bring them to the surface , Well Michaela you have done that .  Sitting on that wall at Crossmaglen all those years ago watching me and your dad running up and down the sideline and everytime  we went passed  , you smiled.  The wall is now a different place and certainly much higher but the smile no doubt wider than ever . I,m just so glad I knew you.

On behalf of all my family and the gaelic family inwhich I am proud to be associated with I offer my sincerest condolensces. may you rest in peace.

Another excellent post. Like so many others I'm sure, I have read this thread from start to finish several times, trying to find words that fit and make sense to come terms with tragedy.  To see such wonder things been said about someone whom the majority of us didn't know and sadly now will never have that pleasure in doing so.
I am so f**king angry that such a beautiful, talented young girl has been taken from this life long before her time,the only crime she committed was been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The heartbreak that these families are now having to endure is beyond words.
Having lost a family member of my own in recent times and known the grief that's  felt, but the death of Michaela has compounded that grief in a way that you begin to question what really is life all about.
I have so much angry emotion inside me, so much so that I want to say, I hope that these f**kers root in hell for the loss and unforgivable heartache that they have caused to the families involved.

We all know your are in heaven already, you may be gonna from us but you will certainly not be forgot.  Sleep tight.

At a time like this, words just aren't enough.

Deepest sympathies to the Harte and McAreavey families.

RIP Michaela.

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c69/BALLINTOY/GAA%20Pics/164535_1799547385406_1141415543_2121442_2181184_n.jpg)

Still in a severe state of shock a bout Michaela, not even sleeping right and I am a stranger. Family have to be in bits right now
God love them. 

I was just browsing through some of the websites I would often read and it has been huge conversation which is understandable in the greater GAA community. Mind you there is a vast amount more out there that I don't even no a bout. Then you have the media etc..

So at a glance here is some of the activity in a select few web sites.

The GAA board Death of Mickey Harte's daughter 21,486 views 366 posts on the main GAA page non GAA page thread  Michaela's court case 2020 views 54 posts

Premierview On two threads  one has  99 posts and viewed 1,800 times the 2nd has 13 posts and viewed 517 times.

Anfearrua Two threads one titled  "Mickey Harte" 24 posts viewed 1905 times 2nd thread Mickey Harte's daughter has died 109 posts viewed 18,185 times.

Kerrygaa Has a thread dedicated to Michaela 44 posts and 2259 views.

Hoganstand 213 posts 30,510 views  main forum Tyrone forum 18,588 165 posts

Face book page by Tyrone County board 28,604 people liked this page. Imposable to count all the comments there comming in thick and fast. At least one every 4 minutes I reckon. The thing a bout facebook is there will be multiable pages set up dedicated to Michaela. So very hard to keep an accurate record.

Its just more comforting to know so many people care and I think goodness will always over come evil.

PS Give her dixie you are a great humanatarian and I also enjoy your posts. So sorry for your loss mo chara.

Such a beautiful girl, a true Gael in every sense of the word, my wife and I were in tears watching Micky and his 2 sons giving their statement on the senseless and untimely death of Michaela.  A measure of the man was when he said "this is our cross to bear" just a terrible tragedy. A Bed amongst the Saints to her. Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aici.

Quote from: lawnseed on January 12, 2011, 07:13:37 PM
very hard to watch micky last night. i think he handled himself very well, i know i could never have done it he is a great man. everyone in work was talking about him its not surprising that we all admitted to crying. how can things like this happen to great people it just is'nt fair.

folk should stop bitchin about money etc and count their blessings- spend time with your family what would micky harte give for 5 more minutes with his daughter

I think what you say about money etc is spot on.  I know myself that I would stress out about the bills each month and where the bucks are coming from for this and for that, but it is things like this that really make you realise that you should appreciate what you have as much as you can.  We are so lucky in that we can have those 5 minutes with our sons/daughters, and that really brings it home as god only knows how much Micky would give for the same 5 minutes.

On the interview from Tuesday, I actually was nearly in tears watching the way Micky spoke and broke down, especially seeing his sons lock their arms around him - as poignant a scene as I am ever likely to see.  It was amazing to see Micky speak to the world in the aftermath of such a tragedy, but what was more amazing was the emphasis he placed on how his faith would guide him through this tragedy, where many a man (including myself) would be so full of hatred, anger and most of all would want vengeace.

I would just like to pass on my deepest sympathies to the Harte and McAreavey families, and in particular John who must be living a nightmare and I am glad that at least he has some support over there now.

Just seen the authorities have cleared Michaela's remains to be flown home today which will be some comfort for her family, but I also heard mention last night on the RTE news they want John to remain until next week to help conclude their investigations, lets hope common sense pervails and they allow John accompany his wife on her last journey home today, he has been though too much already this week for any man to handle besides being denied the opportunity to accompany her remains back for her funeral.

Its all so sad. may she rest in peace.

Heard the Lord Mayor of Cork on radio this am. Cork city council have opened a book of sympathy. He spoke about an 85 year old woman  who travelled from the heart of west cork to sigh the book. This lady goes to all the games and knew and had met Micheala. The Lord mayor said that she cried bitter tears as she signed the book.

Mickey Harte is a very brave man doing that interview. It just shows how much courage and bravery the man has.
That interview reduced me to tears.
Orangeman put it perfectly how everybody feels.
I also thought Mom put it nicely as well.
My thoughts and prayers are with both McAreavy and Harte families at this very tough time.
R.I.P Michaela.

The outcry and outpouring of emotion from everyone in the country is incredible. Its near impossible to not feel upset or emotion when the country is in morning like this. We met Mickey Harte a few times when he and the Tyrone team were down in Ballintubber in Mayo for various club events that they supported.

Shortly after Cormac McAnallen was taken, the Tyrone team were down for a National League game against Mayo. Cormac has aunts, uncles and cousins in our club so we had a mass service in memory of Cormac in Ballintubber Abbey the evening before the game. At that mass Mickey read a poem dedicated to Cormac and spoke for a while. From what I know of from those experiences, Mickey is a deeply spiritual man which will help the family through this tragedy. Its ironic that he helped so many like the McAnallen's, only to be given his own heavy cross to bear.

Someone close to me was on his honeymoon with his new wife this week in the Caribbean and they were rocked by the news. Its impossible to understand how such a terrible thing can happen at the happiest time of your life. Sincere condolances to the McAreavey family too in all of this, I really hope John will be able to get over it some day.

Its very sad that Tyrone was hit by two awful tragedies in recent years so my hear goes out to everyone up there. I have witnessed the spiritual bond and dignity you all hold with each other in these circumstances, and I sincerely hope you all find sort of comfort in it.

RIP Michaela

Since hearing the news on Monday evening I have thought of nothing else than this terrible, horrific tragedy. Its such a cruel world we live in when someone who has so much good in them is taken from this life in this way.
None of us can imagine what John, Mickey, Marian,the brothers and Michaela's friends and wider family circle are going through at this time

I never met Michaela but from what i've heard, i wish i had known this wonderful person. I have always had great admiration for Mickey and this increased immeasurably when i saw his interview on Tuesday which reduced myself and thousands of others to tears. He spoke with dignity, spirit and love - what a truly great man.

Ireland has lost a wonderful ambassador and a lady.

May Michaela rest in peace and look down on her loved ones guiding them and helping them to look back on her life and smile, and to one day get over this loss.

Nice gesture from Paddy McCourt last night, with a black armband.

Nice gesture too with the minute's silence before the Donegal Celtic Cliftonville match, made more poignant by the fact that DC's captain (and former Davitt's man) Stephen McAlorum lost his yonger sister in equally tragic circumstances a few years ago.

Quote from: Kerry Mike on January 13, 2011, 09:50:47 AM
Just seen the authorities have cleared Michaela's remains to be flown home today which will be some comfort for her family, but I also heard mention last night on the RTE news they want John to remain until next week to help conclude their investigations, lets hope common sense pervails and they allow John accompany his wife on her last journey home today, he has been though too much already this week for any man to handle besides being denied the opportunity to accompany her remains back for her funeral.

Its all so sad. may she rest in peace.

Yeah  Mike. Read that and couldnt believe it. Like you said I think (hope) common sense prevails.

QuoteLike you said I think (hope) common sense prevails.

It has been specifically stated several times on RTE this morning that John will be travelling home later today in the company of his brother and brother in law. There is no point in multiple posts about what was said yesterday.

They also said that the hotel had organised a Mass for the staff and that the family would attend, which was a decent gesture.

Quote from: armaghniac on January 13, 2011, 01:01:25 PM

QuoteLike you said I think (hope) common sense prevails.

It has been specifically stated several times on RTE this morning that John will be travelling home later today in the company of his brother and brother in law. There is no point in multiple posts about what was said yesterday.

They also said that the hotel had organised a Mass for the staff and that the family would attend, which was a decent gesture.

Read it in the paper this am. Didnt hear any news all day since. Fair enough.

Rest in Peace, Michaela.

My thoughts are with her husband and both families at this time.

RIP     Condolences to both families

Is Ballymacelroy Chapel at that Todds Leap sign, coming from Ballygawley?

Quote from: Aaron Boone on January 13, 2011, 11:13:32 PM
Is Ballymacelroy Chapel at that Todds Leap sign, coming from Ballygawley?

At the Ballygawley roundabout, take signposts for Omagh, then on the straight road its about a mile down on the right hand side.

Quote from: Aaron Boone on January 13, 2011, 11:13:32 PM
Is Ballymacilroy Chapel at that Todds Leap sign, coming from Ballygawley?

That'd be the exact one AB.

Just saw this.  Terribly terribly sad

Article Taken from Belfast Telegraph
written By John Campbell

Down chairman Seamus Walsh spoke last night of the special affinity which exists between his county and Tyrone.

Walsh was among the first to contact his Red Hands counterpart Ciaran McLaughlin to express sympathy following the death of Michaela McAreavey and has since reflected on the support his own county received from Tyrone in relation to recent tragic events.

Walsh said: "We had the sudden death of 17-year-old Minor footballer Patrick Dinsmore last year while playing for his club Warrenpoint and then just a week before Christmas the mother of our county Allstar Danny Hughes died just four weeks after having been diagnosed with cancer.

"These were two heavy burdens for us to bear but we got great support from many sources especially Tyrone."

And when Down staged the Golden Jubilee celebrations in the Slieve Donard Hotel Newcastle to mark the capture of the 1960 All-Ireland football title, Tyrone were among the counties to enthusiastically embrace their jubilations.

"I would have to say that we have a very strong bond with Tyrone. The marriage of Michaela Harte and John McAreavey was seen by us all in a sense as a further cementing of this bond but sadly we now find ourselves preparing for Michaela's funeral," added Walsh.

And he has pledged "every support" from the county board for the Harte and McAreavey families.

"Their pain is beyond comprehension. Words seem totally inadequate at a time like this. We all have families whom we cherish and to lose a loved one in such terrible circumstances defies belief," said Walsh.

The Down link with Tyrone will be brought very much into focus once again next month when a combined Warrenpoint-Rostrevor side will take on a South Down team in a special match in memory of the late Patrick Dinsmore.

The game will go ahead at Moygannon, Warrenpoint with a 2pm throw-in and the proceeds will go to the Cormac Trust, the fund set up in Tyrone in the aftermath of the sudden death of Tyrone captain Cormac McAnallen six years ago.

Walsh said: "We feel that this is a very deserving cause to benefit from monies raised through this game.

"Cormac McAnallen, like Patrick Dinsmore and Michaela McAreavey, was an exceptional person. He set a great example for everyone with whom he came into contact.

Michaela's family have asked, instead of flowers, could people make a donation to the Cormac McAnallen Trust & Paul McGirr Fund.

Please take note:

"As Michaela returns home we respectfully ask for full privacy to allow our two families, united in sorrow, to have the space and time to spend with a much-loved wife, daughter and sister.

"Therefore the wake and private family service on the evening of Friday 14 January will be for immediate family only."

Errigal Ciaran GAC are putting a plan together to cope with the crowds on Saturday,Sunday and Monday.

Lovely tribute from Brian Carthy in Irish News today.

lads can anyone familiar with the area give directions of how to get to the wake and where to park the car etc, thanks in advance

QuotePáraic, a Chara
>
> I wish to convey some information to you regarding the wake and
> funeral arrangements for the late Michaela McAreavey (neé Harte). This
> is done only to assist with queries you may be receiving on the
> matter.
>
>
> Michaela's remains will be repatriated to her family's home at
> Glencull Road, Ballygawley tomorrow evening (Friday).
> All day tomorrow (Friday) the house will remain totally private.
>
> A wake for Michaela will take place on Saturday and on Sunday at her
> family's home.
>
> On Monday the funeral Mass will take place in the neighbouring
> Ballymacilroy Church at 12.00 noon (this time is subject to
> confirmation). The family home will be strictly private on Monday,
> also.
>
> The families of Michaela and her husband John have requested that, if
> desired, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either the
> 'Cormac Trust' or the 'Spirit of 'Paul McGirr' .
>
>
>
> It would be hoped that the wishes and requests of the families can be
> fully complied with by all sympathisers and mourners.
>
> Many thanks.
>
>
>
> Le gach dea-ghuí
>
> Damhnaic Mac Eochaidh
>
> Rúnaí

Sent to Pauric Duffy & to be circulated throughout the GAA clubs in Ireland...

Quote from: Banana Man on January 14, 2011, 10:40:00 AM
lads can anyone familiar with the area give directions of how to get to the wake and where to park the car etc

Perhaps EC could keep us posted on this?

Quote from: 020304 Tir Eoghain on January 14, 2011, 11:10:39 AM

Quote from: Banana Man on January 14, 2011, 10:40:00 AM
lads can anyone familiar with the area give directions of how to get to the wake and where to park the car etc

Perhaps EC could keep us posted on this?

From ballygawley roundabout head for omagh, just as the overtaking lane begins at the bottom of the hill at glencull primary school (about a 1 /12 from roundabout) there is a turnoff to the left, house is in there about a mile or so,

I'd imagine once you get that length the cars will be parked arround there and you will have no bother finding the house

Quote from: 5 Sams on January 14, 2011, 02:00:13 AM
Article Taken from Belfast Telegraph
written By John Campbell

Down chairman Seamus Walsh spoke last night of the special affinity which exists between his county and Tyrone.

Walsh was among the first to contact his Red Hands counterpart Ciaran McLaughlin to express sympathy following the death of Michaela McAreavey and has since reflected on the support his own county received from Tyrone in relation to recent tragic events.

Walsh said: "We had the sudden death of 17-year-old Minor footballer Patrick Dinsmore last year while playing for his club Warrenpoint and then just a week before Christmas the mother of our county Allstar Danny Hughes died just four weeks after having been diagnosed with cancer.

"These were two heavy burdens for us to bear but we got great support from many sources especially Tyrone."

And when Down staged the Golden Jubilee celebrations in the Slieve Donard Hotel Newcastle to mark the capture of the 1960 All-Ireland football title, Tyrone were among the counties to enthusiastically embrace their jubilations.

"I would have to say that we have a very strong bond with Tyrone. The marriage of Michaela Harte and John McAreavey was seen by us all in a sense as a further cementing of this bond but sadly we now find ourselves preparing for Michaela's funeral," added Walsh.

And he has pledged "every support" from the county board for the Harte and McAreavey families.

"Their pain is beyond comprehension. Words seem totally inadequate at a time like this. We all have families whom we cherish and to lose a loved one in such terrible circumstances defies belief," said Walsh.

The Down link with Tyrone will be brought very much into focus once again next month when a combined Warrenpoint-Rostrevor side will take on a South Down team in a special match in memory of the late Patrick Dinsmore.

The game will go ahead at Moygannon, Warrenpoint with a 2pm throw-in and the proceeds will go to the Cormac Trust, the fund set up in Tyrone in the aftermath of the sudden death of Tyrone captain Cormac McAnallen six years ago.

Walsh said: "We feel that this is a very deserving cause to benefit from monies raised through this game.

"Cormac McAnallen, like Patrick Dinsmore and Michaela McAreavey, was an exceptional person. He set a great example for everyone with whom he came into contact.

This just shows how important the GAA is. Without the GAA, Tyrone and Down mightn't even have a continued existence. Those British districts are what appear on most maps of the occupied territories. It is great to see the solidarity across the counties at a time like this.
The response of the whole GAA community to this senseless tragedy has been very impressive. We are all GAA people at the end of the day and it brings people together like no other sport.

Quote from: blewuporstuffed on January 14, 2011, 11:24:32 AM

Quote from: 020304 Tir Eoghain on January 14, 2011, 11:10:39 AM

Quote from: Banana Man on January 14, 2011, 10:40:00 AM
lads can anyone familiar with the area give directions of how to get to the wake and where to park the car etc

Perhaps EC could keep us posted on this?

From ballygawley roundabout head for omagh, just as the overtaking lane begins at the bottom of the hill at glencull primary school (about a 1 /12 from roundabout) there is a turnoff to the left, house is in there about a mile or so,

I'd imagine once you get that length the cars will be parked arround there and you will have no bother finding the house

nice one lad, appreciated

Quote from: 020304 Tir Eoghain on January 14, 2011, 11:10:39 AM

Quote from: Banana Man on January 14, 2011, 10:40:00 AM
lads can anyone familiar with the area give directions of how to get to the wake and where to park the car etc

Perhaps EC could keep us posted on this?

The wake is open to the public tomorrow and Sunday. Parking areas are being currently sorted out but the main one will be down the Water-side road which is the next road on the right heading towards Ballygawley. It will all be well signed, if you get to the general area it will be easy to follow instructions and there will be plenty of stewarts on duty.. Mini buses will be shuttling people to and from house. These are the only details I have so far heard. I will post more as I hear it.

It's a wonderful measure, not just of the genuine affection in which beautiful Michaela was universally held, but also of the GAA as family that Michaela's tragic death has reaffirmed, once again.

We may remonstrate and accuse, sometimes bitterly, sometimes intemperately, as part of the daily and weekly cut and thrust of our great games; at times (apparently) implacably opposed to cyber-representatives of our one-time on-field opposition.  An event such as this, however, only shows that up as the utterly forgettable and frivolous family in-fighting that it most assuredly is.

It has been extremely heartening and uplifting to see the genuine outpouring of grief for Michaela and concern for her people, from all quarters, bar none, for a very special person.

Thanks for that EC.

Her body is back in Irish soil while her soul is no doubt in heaven - Rest In Peace young lady.

My sincere sympathy to John and the Harte family.

May God help to lighten the load of grief and sadness for John, Mickey, Marian and the Harte family and all who mourn Michaela's death and give you all consolation during these extremely sad days.

RIP

I would love not to see a single photo or second of video camera footage of the wake, the removal or the funeral but unfortunately these days the media have no morales and no doubt there will be a huge presence of photographers, reporters and cameramen at the funeral taking close-up photos of the grieving families.

Quote from: blanketattack on January 14, 2011, 02:21:04 PM
I would love not to see a single photo or second of video camera footage of the wake, the removal or the funeral but unfortunately these days the media have no morales and no doubt there will be a huge presence of photographers, reporters and cameramen at the funeral taking close-up photos of the grieving families.

I can assure you that efforts will be made to keep them at a respectfull distance but as you say they have no morales. A money shot is all they want. :-[

I believe the cortege is now on its way down the M1.

My family and neighbors are going to the wake. People should leave earlier to avoid the crowds. If I didn't reside in Chicago I would be there. Tough times a head for the families.

My sympathies to both the families on such a loss in tragic circumstances.
Do hope they gain strength to get through this difficult place for them in the support of their friends and family. 

It is good that at least they can grieve with the body at home this weekend. Well done to the Irish diplomats involved as well as the Mauritius authorities and the airlines for facilitating such a speedy return of the remains. 

Quote from: blanketattack on January 14, 2011, 02:21:04 PM
I would love not to see a single photo or second of video camera footage of the wake, the removal or the funeral but unfortunately these days the media have no morales and no doubt there will be a huge presence of photographers, reporters and cameramen at the funeral taking close-up photos of the grieving families.

I actually think the television media (i havent read any papers) have dealt with the past week well. As far as i can see they have heeded Micky Hartes request on Tuesday and have given both families their privacy. There is huge interest in Micheala Hartes  death and subsequent criminal proceedings. The family gave the media permission to film the body leaving the airport today. Now if they start hassling the family for interviews that is a different matter, but i cant see that happening. There are photographers at funerals that have a lot less profile than this one, so as long as they keep a respectful distance i dont see a problem. I am certain if the Harte or Mc Areavey family didnt want any press/tv on the day of the funeral that their wish would be heeded, and that request may come yet.

Have to agree with that Minder, I think the two families have been shown a massive amount of respect since the terrible news broke on Monday and with massive concern in the local and wider communities of both families and an international news story, I have not seen or heard a broadcast that was tasteless or over-stepped the mark. Hopefully they can keep it this way for a few more days at least

Quote from: Minder on January 14, 2011, 08:03:13 PM

Quote from: blanketattack on January 14, 2011, 02:21:04 PM
I would love not to see a single photo or second of video camera footage of the wake, the removal or the funeral but unfortunately these days the media have no morales and no doubt there will be a huge presence of photographers, reporters and cameramen at the funeral taking close-up photos of the grieving families.

I actually think the television media (i havent read any papers) have dealt with the past week well. As far as i can see they have heeded Micky Hartes request on Tuesday and have given both families their privacy. There is huge interest in Micheala Hartes  death and subsequent criminal proceedings. The family gave the media permission to film the body leaving the airport today. Now if they start hassling the family for interviews that is a different matter, but i cant see that happening. There are photographers at funerals that have a lot less profile than this one, so as long as they keep a respectful distance i dont see a problem. I am certain if the Harte or Mc Areavey family didnt want any press/tv on the day of the funeral that their wish would be heeded, and that request may come yet.

I agree, I think all the media have dealt with awful tragedy particularly well and in a very dignified manner. I would like to compliment the UTV and BBC for the manner in which they have conducted this whole sad occasion and I'm sure they will continue with the same dignity until after the funeral.

My sincerest sympathies to two great families.

As far as I am aware there are members of the club preventing the media from intruding on the privacy of the family. With out these efforts I am afraid the above comments would not apply.

Sincere condolences to both families , May she rest in peace .

Great turnout at a mass in Laurencetown tonight for John and the McAreavey and Harte families. The church was full with a lot of people standing at the back as well.

Was very emotional with pictures of Michaela at the altar as well as John's Tullylish jersey.

The Tullylish chairman spoke very well at the end and one of the player's recited a poem he himself had written about Michaela.

If that was the turnout for a mass like that, I can't begin to think how many will be at the funeral on Monday.

Also a great turnout at a special mass in the Bronx for Micheala...The priest spoke very well about her with some touching words

From Cumann Mhic Sioghair, An Srath Bán:

Strabane Sigersons and Strabane Shamrock s Hurling Clubs have come together to organise a memorial Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane on Monday night 18th January @ 7.30pm for the late Michaela McAreavey (nee Harte).
The Mass is for the entire community of Strabane and the surrounding districts to come along and pay their respects and to remember Michaela and the Harte and McAreavey families in their thoughts and prayers.
Everyone is urged to spread the news about this Mass to your family, relatives, friends and felow Gaels.
If you know anyone who is on Facebook, Twitter or any other means of communication then please feel free to pass the word about.
Fáilte Mhór - Everyone Welcome.

A friend text-ed me tonight from the Ballygawley round about told me how terrible it was to see the hearse. A place where so many Sam home comings truly begin.

S... is for sorrow Ireland shares
T.. is for tears that show how much we care
A.. is for the angel who went to heaven above
R.. is for the radiance of her Irish eyes of love

This star is just a new one, and will shine brightly in heavens sky, it will always be the brightest and will always catch your eye. So for all of you who loved her grieve with you. Your not alone ALL IRELAND share your sorrow for OUR WEE PRINCESS. From Tyrone (Michaela)

Mass being said for Michaela at St Tarcissus and Old St Pats both in Chicago this Sunday

St ciarans school ballygawley is being used for parking and mini buses will shuttle people to and from wake house.

Quote from: Minder on January 14, 2011, 08:03:13 PM

Quote from: blanketattack on January 14, 2011, 02:21:04 PM
I would love not to see a single photo or second of video camera footage of the wake, the removal or the funeral but unfortunately these days the media have no morales and no doubt there will be a huge presence of photographers, reporters and cameramen at the funeral taking close-up photos of the grieving families.

I actually think the television media (i havent read any papers) have dealt with the past week well. As far as i can see they have heeded Micky Hartes request on Tuesday and have given both families their privacy. There is huge interest in Micheala Hartes  death and subsequent criminal proceedings. The family gave the media permission to film the body leaving the airport today. Now if they start hassling the family for interviews that is a different matter, but i cant see that happening. There are photographers at funerals that have a lot less profile than this one, so as long as they keep a respectful distance i dont see a problem. I am certain if the Harte or Mc Areavey family didnt want any press/tv on the day of the funeral that their wish would be heeded, and that request may come yet.

The thing about the media is they are serving a demand. There's a lot of people who won't be able to make the funeral who, by seeing it on TV, will feel they can mourn that way. It is how I feel anyway. If done right, media coverage of this funeral will be a great tribute to Michaela to the wider world but I would worry about what EC says, that some might not know where the line is.

We had our club dinner dance last night and it was mentioned at the outset by our chairman and was something a lot of people were talking about, the level of shock was still huge.

The Irish Times - Saturday, January 15, 2011

Heroic Harte's resilience never more needed

SIDELINE CUT: No strangers to tragedy, Tyrone and Mickey Harte are again called upon to cope with dreadful, heartbreaking circumstances, writes KEITH DUGGAN

OH, TYRONE: Gaelic Games has a habit of producing wonderful teams whose spirit long outlasts the thrill of their accomplishments in September All-Irelands. But has any Irish sports team or manager ever brought such joy to its people while carrying not just the weight of great expectation but a staggering litany of heartbreak? Has any sporting figure been required to find the perfect words on impossibly sad and inexplicable days as frequently as Mickey Harte has over the past 13 years?

Even on this unfathomably dark and cruel week for his family, he has somehow found it within himself to find words that served, first and foremost, to console others.

Resilience and grace under pressure have always been at the heart of the immortal Tyrone football days which Harte has presided over since 1997. From the emotional afternoon in September 1998, (nobody who stood around a grinning Cormac McAnallen near the wire at the old Canal End tunnel listening to the kid – for that is what he was then – rhapsodise about what the day meant will forget it) to the amber-lit September Sunday in 2008 when Tyrone won their third senior All-Ireland of the decade, those teams with the Red Hand crest seemed to play in irrepressible bursts of inspiration and instinct that no other team could hope to equal.

Lest it be forgotten, the 1997/98 Tyrone minors played through the confusion and grief of the death of their team-mate Paul McGirr after an accidental collision in the Ulster championship. Lest it be forgotten, they somehow managed to win the Ulster title anyway and between drawing the All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry and turning up for the replay in Parnell Park against Kerry (on the afternoon that Princess Diana was buried in London), their young midfielder Kevin Hughes lost his sister in a car accident.

Lest it be forgotten, Mickey Harte's first All-Ireland final – after that harrowing summer – ended with his trying to console a young team who had emptied themselves and still lost to a wonderful Laois team. Lest it be forgotten, he was so exhausted by the emotion of that summer that he might have stopped then but for the intervention and persuasion of a number of people, including his young daughter.

And, lest it be forgotten, when they did win that first All-Ireland a year later, it was Laois they beat and Laois boys who formed a guard of honour to salute them from the field. And lest it be forgotten too, they had to return to an Omagh that was still obliterated by that terrible August bombing. Those young footballers were the first reason that anyone in the town or county had cause to cheer about life since that day. They have been cheering since.

It was the beginning of a magnificent football era, a period in the history of Tyrone which transcended sport. And Mickey Harte has been on the sideline for all of the best days and worst days.

Mickey Harte is no easy man to categorise: impeccably polite and absolutely determined, reasoned but fearless about speaking his mind, a pioneer, deeply religious and utterly open to learning about sport and about life from diverse sources. And stubborn too! Harte has become such a respected manager that his playing days are often overlooked. Lest it be forgotten, he played on a fine Tyrone minor team in 1972 but opted out to study the following year and missed out on a rare year of Ulster minor and senior success. (The minors won that year's All-Ireland, a title the county would not win again until '98).

And lest it be forgotten, Harte was the man at the epicentre of the furious row which saw his local club, Glencull, exiled from all GAA activity because of the kind of common row that flares in all parishes all the time. "The problem was the boy who was sent off with me was allowed to represent his club at handball the following day and I couldn't see how that was fair. I had the unconditional support of the Glencull players so I walked," he said. This was one evening in 2004 in the Kelly Inn, the famous roadside restaurant near his home. "People might say hello if they met in a shop or a pub," he remembered. "But just about."

The row began in 1982 and people on both sides thought they had the moral authority and nobody blinked for almost a decade. Harte and others missed out on a promising football career because of it. One of the chief reasons the feud ended was that they realised in Glencull that they might have something special in their hands in a youngster named Peter Canavan. People began talking and out of that came Errigal Chiaráin and a new era of splendour.

And that experience was important because Mickey Harte said of that period in isolation: "I learned more about life in that period than in any other period of management. It taught me a lot about loyalty and friendship and principle."

And he took those virtues – those family virtues – with him into management. He didn't know then, of course, just how much he would need them. That evening in Kelly's he laughed when he recalled his first minor trials. Michaela went along with him: 240 kids showed up to volunteer their services for the Red Hand. That was the beginning. When he appeared on the Late Late Show a few weeks after Tyrone's 2008 All-Ireland win, he was accompanied by Michaela who noted that in the 17 years since that first trial, she had not missed a championship game. It was not, she pointed out with a smile, the record of a "fair-weather fan".

It was certainly not that. Who can guess at the countless hours the Harte family have spent talking about football in the same house that thousands of people will, over today and tomorrow, visit in such sombre, heartbreaking circumstances? Who can guess the number of happy football journeys the Hartes have made from their home?

Go back to 2003, to Tyrone's first glittering senior year. Inside the Tyrone dressingroom in Croke Park, all is happy bedlam. Mickey Harte is there and his son, Mark, who played on that team. Stephen O'Neill, one of the class of '97 is saying "Paul McGirr will be happy in heaven tonight". Cormac McAnallen is holding court elsewhere. In the middle of the room, Chris Lawn, a veteran of so many bitterly disappointing days in Tyrone colours, stands not quite able to believe that this is happening; that Tyrone are champions of the whole of Ireland. He holds his hands out at this young crew that Mickey Harte has put together and he marvels "Why not? Why not go on?"

They would go on all right, all of them, through extraordinary days that made them feel like they could travel no higher and then through other terrible days that came out of the blue with unaccountable swiftness.

Their best days are safe and untouchable. And through the worst of them, Mickey Harte and his family and all of the young football players that he has guided down the years have behaved with a grace that has been humbling.

And none of that will be forgotten, not for many, many lifetimes.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on January 15, 2011, 11:33:13 AM

Quote from: Minder on January 14, 2011, 08:03:13 PM

Quote from: blanketattack on January 14, 2011, 02:21:04 PM
I would love not to see a single photo or second of video camera footage of the wake, the removal or the funeral but unfortunately these days the media have no morales and no doubt there will be a huge presence of photographers, reporters and cameramen at the funeral taking close-up photos of the grieving families.

I actually think the television media (i havent read any papers) have dealt with the past week well. As far as i can see they have heeded Micky Hartes request on Tuesday and have given both families their privacy. There is huge interest in Micheala Hartes  death and subsequent criminal proceedings. The family gave the media permission to film the body leaving the airport today. Now if they start hassling the family for interviews that is a different matter, but i cant see that happening. There are photographers at funerals that have a lot less profile than this one, so as long as they keep a respectful distance i dont see a problem. I am certain if the Harte or Mc Areavey family didnt want any press/tv on the day of the funeral that their wish would be heeded, and that request may come yet.

The thing about the media is they are serving a demand. There's a lot of people who won't be able to make the funeral who, by seeing it on TV, will feel they can mourn that way. It is how I feel anyway. If done right, media coverage of this funeral will be a great tribute to Michaela to the wider world but I would worry about what EC says, that some might not know where the line is.
We had our club dinner dance last night and it was mentioned at the outset by our chairman and was something a lot of people were talking about, the level of shock was still huge.

Agree totally.

Irish culture has a respect for the dead and Irish media in general will work within that, if only because their viewers/media will expect that. The coverage has generally been respectful and it has brought people into the process who cannot attend the funeral etc. I'd be slightly concerned that some British tabloid oblivious to local norms would step over the mark though.

Tyrone star Ryan McMenamin has paid a glowing tribute to tragic Michaela McAreavey, whose funeral will take place in Ballygawley on Monday.

"Any time I met her, she'd always be positive," McMenamin told The Irish Examiner

"Nothing was ever impossible or lost. She'd always find a positive. Any time after a defeat she had the ability to find something that went right for Tyrone and she'd keep going on about bigger things being ahead for us. There was always a chance for her that we would come back.

"I think Big Seán (Cavanagh) said in another interview that she lived her life so perfectly. The main things in her life were her husband, her family, her teaching and her football. She never went out to do anyone harm and that's what makes it so hard for us to understand this."

The three-time All-Ireland winning defender revealed how Mickey Harte had wanted this weekend's McKenna Cup game to go ahead, despite the awful tragedy.

"Mickey being Mickey, he didn't want the games to be stopped. He spoke to Tony (Donnelly) and Fergal (McCann) and he wanted training to carry on - and that was on Monday evening.

"It's a sign of Mickey - he'd always try and put other people ahead of himself. There was a feeling among ourselves that Thursday night's session had to be one of the best that we could put in. For him."

I agree that the media have been respectful thus far. Only one report on the bbc dis I find to have oversteped the mark. The sunday  tabloids will be the big test for the papers.

"Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing
Like the love that let us share our name"

RIP

By Dermot Crowe

Sunday January 16 2011

I N the large red-brick parochial house in Donaghmore, Fr Gerard McAleer is recounting the moment he heard of Michaela McAreavey's death. It is Friday morning and his phone rings constantly.

He has his duties as parish priest to attend to but on this week nothing is normal or routine or easily anticipated. People call to the door to sympathise. He goes on air to articulate, as best he can, the pain of a people shocked by an event that occurred on an island thousands of miles away and which, if a work of fiction, might be judged too outlandish.

"I was standing there," he motions, pointing to the range in the kitchen where he conducts his work, "and talking to a friend of mine . . . then the phone rings. And Mark, the oldest of the family, said, 'Fr Gerard, Mark here, how are you?' I says, 'not bad Mark, how are you? He says, 'I have awful news, bad news, tragic news, our Michaela, Michaela's dead'. You know, I waited a minute to get my breath and I said 'what happened?' He said, 'She's in her room and she's dead. She was found in the bathroom'. I said, 'was there an accident or something?' He said, 'we don't know'.

"He was just ringing around at that stage. And about ten minutes later, or less, Mickey's brother came to the door with his wife; they were on their way down to Ballygawley. They said, 'has anyone been on to you?' And I said, 'yes'. And they came in here and we started to ring round other family. That was as much as we knew at that time."

He remembers Mark being "remarkably composed" until his voice broke when he announced that his sister was dead. "Then, of course, my mind went into overdrive because I cleared my phone (of messages) because it was full the night before and I had one from Michaela. I felt bad about that. And it was just a very brief text to say how happy she was and so on. I had texted her before to thank her for the beautiful day at the wedding. I got into the car and went down to Ballygawley. The family were gathering and it was just total devastation."

Fr McAleer and the Hartes go back a long way. He started school in Omagh CBS in 1964 with Mickey's older brother Martin. "And at that time Peter Harte, their brother, was playing for Tyrone. And to have somebody in the class playing for Tyrone at the time was a big thing. Peter only died a couple of months ago from cancer. He was president of the Ulster Council as well and a potential GAA presidential candidate."

In the early 1970s, Fr McAleer's brother Colm and Mickey Harte attended the school and played football together. "It kinda went on from there. The relationship developed. I would have been in that house over the last 25 years a couple of times a week, not in recent times as much since I had to give up the football. Often till the late hours."

He baptised the two youngest of the Harte children, Michaela and Matthew, and he saw their only daughter grow up and they formed a close bond. "Michaela was born on the last day of the year, 1983. I baptised her in Dungannon because they lived there for a short time before they built a new house in Ballygawley. I baptised her on Sunday the 15th of January. I remember it was an awful day. I think the electricity went off in the chapel. It was just two weeks after her birth, she was the third child of the family Christened. Mickey and I took over the (Tyrone) minor team in 1991 and at that stage Michaela and Matthew would have been out to training with us and at all the matches, trials, and that went on till I gave up at the end of 1997. And then I saw her go to school and grow up, grow into a young girl and beautiful young woman."

Fr McAleer recently had a heart stent inserted and admits he comes from a family with a history of cardiac problems. Before going to hospital he confided in Mickey Harte. "Funny, I told Mickey that I was going into the hospital, first time ever in my life, and he was sworn to secrecy. About two days later I got a text from Michaela: 'Daddy told me. Just want to know how you are?'"

There is profound sympathy too in the GAA community for Michaela husband John McAreavey. In a photograph which appeared in recent days he is seen raising the cup after Tullylish won the Down intermediate football championship last October. This is the moment all Gaelic players aspire towards; the perfect end to a championship with the symbolic hoisting of the trophy declaring your side triumphant. In the background, among the clapping supporters, are Michaela and Bishop John McAreavey, who married the couple and is John's uncle. They are overjoyed.

This was arguably the proudest moment of John McAreavey's Gaelic career and his wife is there at close quarters, supportive, just as she has been so often beside her father during the great, and not so great, days that Tyrone football have been part of. Tullylish were outsiders when they faced neighbours and rivals Annaclone in the final. The victory was a significant milestone for the club and the experience was embellished with John McAreavey, a former Down senior player, winning the man-of-the-match accolade. This year the club will compete in the senior football championship but the events of the last week have imposed a dreadful burden on a community united in sorrow.

"He had the honour of being the first captain in 42 years to lift a senior championship trophy," says Tullylish chairman John McDermott, "so that was a big day in his life. Our last win was a junior title in 1968. It was a goal feast, 4-7 to 4-6, and a local derby. We won the semi-final by a point and the final by a point. I thought they showed great resolve and character to win. They were one point down in the semi-final and he (John) got the equaliser in injury-time and then set up the winning point."

On Friday night, they held a mass for John and the two families in the local church in Lawrencetown, the village where the couple had planned to set up home. "The church was packed to the rafters," says McDermott, "even some of the older members of the congregation can't remember the church being full like that before; we had to bring extra chairs in and people were nearly seated on the altar. It was an indication of how much they thought of Michaela."

McDermott and other club members and officers are due to attend the wake at the Harte family home in Glencull today. Tullylish has received messages of condolence from all over Ireland and from clubs in Co Down. "We have messages from Waterford, Galway, places like that; we have found it very heartening."

He is asked to describe John. "John is a lovely fella, he really is. He is club captain, it is a role he takes very seriously, he is very conscious that there is a responsibility and image to be portrayed, and he would look after himself well, watch his diet and demand that same level of commitment from his team-mates. He is also our assistant treasurer. John is not the type of fella who plays and then goes off home; he is actively involved in the administrative side."

As a player he describes him as "very good, strong, in great physical condition -- really, a very brave, tenacious footballer, well capable of winning his own ball. He is an integral part of our team."

Tyrone GAA has been traumatised by this latest loss which follows in the wake of a number of other tragedies which Mickey Harte and his family were affected by. Fourteen years ago this summer, Paul McGirr died not far away in Omagh after an accidental collision with the Armagh goalkeeper in the Ulster minor football championship. The day he died, Mark Harte, Michaela's brother, was playing in the same Tyrone forward line. They also played together on the Errigal Ciarán under 12 team.

The day McGirr died Mickey Harte went to Tyrone county hospital along with Fr Gerard McAleer, having managed the earlier victory. They were totally unprepared for what followed. "I remember we met a fella coming down the stairs," recalls Fr McAleer, "one of the drivers who took some of the lads to training, he opened his mouth and he started crying. He said 'he is gone'. 'Gone where?' we asked, we thought he might have been removed to Belfast. He said, 'he is dead'."

Fr McAleer strives to explain why this latest bereavement has had the impact it does. Michaela wasn't an inter-county player like Paul McGirr, or Cormac McAnallen, who lost his life at 24 in 2004. But she was so closely identified with the Tyrone team on match days that it is impossible to overlook her place in the narrative. "The tragedies Tyrone have had," says Fr McAleer. "Paul McGirr's death in 1997. Kevin Hughes' brother in '97, killed in a car accident, later his sister killed in a car accident, Cormac's death in 2004. I thought when I went out and announced that (Cormac's death) at Mass here it could not get any worse. I suppose people are thinking with this Tyrone team is there some kind of a jinx attached to them? And Mickey is a high-profile individual and well respected. The family are well known as a very upright and honourable family. Faith plays a very important part in their lives and faith is tested at times like this.

"I also think there is a lot of support from cross-community -- the fact that Linfield had a minute's silence and Rangers sent a text or email or something like that, expressing their sympathy, and from the different political parties across the north.

"At this stage it's very, very hard to say, and Mickey made this point the other night, that anything good can come out of this. Something good came out of all the others. It's very hard to see that. But I think when you have people from the Protestant community and other faiths, and other political parties, praying and offering their sympathy -- that is something that might not have happened ten years ago."

Yesterday, the First Minister and DUP MLA Peter Robinson called to extend his sympathy; he walked into a house that is GAA to the core. Earlier in the week, Tom Elliott, the Official Unionist Party leader, who caused a stir when he said he would never attend a GAA game last year, also called there to pay his respects. Those visits reflect how the tragedy has melted community divisions.

The chairman of Tyrone County Board, Ciarán McLaughlin, says with validity: "At the end of the day this has transcended the boundaries of what we are supposed to be as human beings." And of Tom Elliott's visit, he observes. "He has decided and felt the need to show his support to the Harte family and the McAreavey family. That can only be applauded. And that is only one example if you are talking of cross-community."

Michaela didn't play Gaelic football to any notable level but her passion for the game was genuine and, like her father, she saw no distinction between the sport she loved and the life she lived. "She was fanatical about football, she kept the papers and cut out everything about them. That helped form a good relationship between herself and her dad too, they had so much in common," as Fr McAleer puts it. "And she was so accepted among the players. I never heard or been aware of any player saying, 'what is she hanging around for?'"

The Tyrone team has continued in Mickey Harte's absence, as he expressly wished, and when Fr McAleer rang Brian Dooher's home to ask him to do a reading at the funeral Mass tomorrow his wife told him he had just left for training. The chairman of Errigal Ciarán, Cathal McAnenly, summed up local feelings. "The area is totally devastated, shocked, it's very hard to come to terms with it. I suppose in the last few days people were just rallying around to prepare for the return of Michaela." He called to the Harte home on Monday. "It is not a visit you want to make and not one that should have to be made."

All three of Mickey Harte's sons play football with Errigal Ciarán, where Mark is the club PRO. "It should never ever have happened," says McAnenly. "She went out to start off the happiest time in her life and to see that happen is incomprehensible. I would hope that the support they get from family members, neighbours and GAA members throughout Ireland will be some level of comfort to them in their grief. But it's going to be very, very difficult."

Tyrone GAA chairman Ciarán McLaughlin was estimating a crowd of between 10,000 and 15,000 mourners at the funeral tomorrow. Yesterday and today, at the public wake, they were expecting to filter 200 sympathisers through the family home each hour where Michaela's remains were resting. She was laid out in her wedding dress. "I said to Mickey that he will see, he will know most likely, but he will see for himself what he and Michaela and the Harte family mean to people.

"I think the scale of Cormac's funeral was immense. I think in the intervening period Mickey has touched on so many other lives. Yes, the GAA absolutely but also other sections of the community. I was in Leitrim last year at the removal of Philly McGuinness' remains and Mickey went down the following week to talk to the club and that was one example of how he was able to touch upon people and relate experiences he has had himself.

"We set up the onsite book of condolences on Wednesday evening about half six and had a quick look there at 12 today (Friday) and there were over 1,000 messages on it at that stage. And that is only that one. The emails we have been getting, you could see from those how he has been in places we never knew about. If someone needed help he went and assisted that club or family or school. There are so many different ones."

How Mickey Harte responds to this is not a question lightly considered. The notion of him not at some point returning to manage the team which his daughter adored is hard to buy, however. "This (Tyrone) team is reaching the end of an era and it's time to build a new team and that is a challenge for him and he certainly thrives on a challenge," says Fr McAleer. "He may need it as a therapy as well. Can I see him coming back? He will make an almighty effort and I know of few people who would be as well equipped to deal with this as Mickey Harte. I am not saying it is going to be easy."

- Dermot Crowe

Great post.

Just back from Ballygawley and have to give credit to the Errigal Ciaran club. There was nothing they overlooked from the moment you hit the roundabout until you left. They're a credit to the association. I'm sure there were others helping out too but the efficiency, decency and thoughfulness from those wearing the Aireagal Chiaráin bibs shone brightly.

Quote from: Sandino on January 16, 2011, 10:27:03 AM
I agree that the media have been respectful thus far. Only one report on the bbc dis I find to have oversteped the mark. The sunday  tabloids will be the big test for the papers.

The Sunday Life didnt exactly cover themselves in glory....real News of the World type over the top shite with grainy pictures of the inside of the room etc and a real "The Sun" type commentary....would sicken you...and before yiz start it was the only "paper" available on the train to Dublin this morning :(

Hello all,

Would some one please be able to tell me what arrangements are in place for the funeral tomorrow ie parking, travelling to the chapel. Will it be something similar to the wake arrangements?

Thanks

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0117/breaking3.html
irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Monday, January 17, 2011, 06:42Michaela Harte's funeral to take place


She was murdered last week while on honeymoon in Mauritius and her death has sparked an outpouring of shock and sympathy for the Harte family and for her husband John McAreavey, who she married just 11 days before she was killed.

Many hundreds have attended the wake at the Harte family home with senior political and clerical figures among them.

Such has been the public response that park-and-ride facilities, temporary marquees, lighting and a host of other arrangements have been put in place by dozens of volunteer stewards mostly from the GAA in Tyrone.

The requiem Mass is scheduled to begin at St Malachy's Church in nearby Ballymacilroy at 12.30pm.

The lead concelebrant and homilist will be Bishop of Dromore Dr John McAreavey who is an uncle of the deceased's husband.

Among the concelebrants will be patron of the GAA, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Dr Dermot Clifford; Mgr Eoin Thynne, head chaplain of the Defence Forces; the Rev Aidan Hamill, vicar general of the Diocese of Dromore, local parish priest Fr Michael Seery and Fr Gerard McAleer, a close family friend of the Hartes and a former senior management figure in Tyrone GAA.

The Catholic primate, Cardinal Seán Brady, will also attend as will the Church of Ireland bishop of Down and Dromore Dr Harold Miller.

President Mary McAleese will attend as will a host of elected representatives from a range of parties.

DUP leader Peter Robinson has visited the wake along with three senior colleagues, Stormont Ministers Nelson McCausland and Arlene Foster, and Lord [Maurice] Morrow.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will be represented at the Mass by his ADC.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, the Fermanagh South Tyrone MP and Assembly member Michelle Gildrenew along with West Tyrone MP and Assembly member Pat Doherty will also attend.

SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie will be accompanied by Assembly members Dr Alasdair McDonnell and Patsy McGlone.

The Ulster Unionists will be represented by deputy leader John McCallister and his Assembly colleague Basil McCrea along with party candidate Mike Nesbitt. Party leader Tom Elliott has already visited the house to offer his sympathies personally to the family.

Guards of honour will be formed by local GAA club Errigal Ciarán, which Mickey Harte used to manage, by members of the Tullylish club in Co Down where the deceased's husband plays football and by pupils of St Patrick's in Dungannon where Michaela Harte taught Irish and religious education.

GAA president Christy Cooney and Ulster secretary Danny Murphy will be joined by the president of the Ulster rugby branch Nigel Hamilton and Irish Football Association president Jim Shaw.

Michaela Harte will be buried after the Mass in the adjoining cemetery where many of her relatives are interred.

Quote from: ONeill on January 16, 2011, 11:24:25 PM
Just back from Ballygawley and have to give credit to the Errigal Ciaran club. There was nothing they overlooked from the moment you hit the roundabout until you left. They're a credit to the association. I'm sure there were others helping out too but the efficiency, decency and thoughfulness from those wearing the Aireagal Chiaráin bibs shone brightly.

Thought the same myself. Was there on Saturday and parked up at the school, there was fellas from the roundabout down to the school and on the road up. Three buses running constantly. The boys standing in the rain all day too. Some organisation.

Lads, I know everyone means well and I know that this whole tragedy has affected a lot of us on the board and we find it difficult to understand or come to terms with so I can't even begin to imagine what the families themselves are going through.

What I wanted to say was that I think we should close all posting on the board from now or 9.30am until 2 or 3pm this afternoon.  Maybe say a little prayer of our own and take up all that matters on the Gaaboard.com later on. Thats what I am going to do anyway.

Well said Bud, solid idea.Think I'll row in with you on that

Quote from: Don Johnson on January 17, 2011, 08:40:57 AM

Quote from: ONeill on January 16, 2011, 11:24:25 PM
Just back from Ballygawley and have to give credit to the Errigal Ciaran club. There was nothing they overlooked from the moment you hit the roundabout until you left. They're a credit to the association. I'm sure there were others helping out too but the efficiency, decency and thoughfulness from those wearing the Aireagal Chiaráin bibs shone brightly.

Thought the same myself. Was there on Saturday and parked up at the school, there was fellas from the roundabout down to the school and on the road up. Three buses running constantly. The boys standing in the rain all day too. Some organisation.

+1 Totally and utterly impressed by the organisation done by the club, with the numbered buses and marquees tents, right down to the handwash, i thought that particularly clever given the sheer amount of numbers who would we visiting and shaking hands etc. Well done to the Errigal Ciaran club, and absolute credit to themselves and the GAA an have managed to ease some of the burden on the Hartes.

Quote from: ONeill on January 16, 2011, 11:24:25 PM
Just back from Ballygawley and have to give credit to the Errigal Ciaran club. There was nothing they overlooked from the moment you hit the roundabout until you left. They're a credit to the association. I'm sure there were others helping out too but the efficiency, decency and thoughfulness from those wearing the Aireagal Chiaráin bibs shone brightly.

+1

For those who cannot attend the funeral is live on www.rte.ie/live

Let's hope Mickey can return to his gift

LOCKER ROOM: Anybody who truly believes that sport is trivial will never achieve greatness. You can't give that much to trivia, writes TOM HUMPHRIES

YEARS AGO, in the time of money, I interviewed the basketball player Magic Johnson in Los Angeles. Oddly, even then, access to the superstars of American sports was better than it is was to run-of-the-mill GAA players. Johnson sat for an hour-and-a-half after a game and chatted affably. Then we walked out of the deserted arena into the gloaming of the parking lot and chatted a little more. That's not the point though.

Johnson had come back to play for the Lakers a few years after his diagnosis of being HIV positive. His announcement of his condition had caused considerable shock in the States. He had until then lead a charmed and happy life. Anybody who acquires the nickname Magic instead of the forename Earvin is blessed in that department. When the showtime era between the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics was at its zenith it was Magic on the west coast, Larry Bird on the east coast and a world of marketing and partying opportunities in between.

Magic had "partied", as the Americans call it, in a free and wholehearted manner. He had campaigned on the belief that every woman could do with a little magic in her life. Along the way he had contracted his condition.

By the time he came back to play for the Lakers his situation was more complicated. The shock and the sympathy had worn away in some people. As one American sportswriter said to me, if Magic didn't die of full blown Aids then he was going to die from being stoned by the Christian right. A previous comeback had been aborted because players complained of the risk of being on the same court as him.

In a world which makes no sense to anybody some people had decided that there were Aids victims who deserved their fate and there were those (crack babies and transfusion patients) who were innocent, and this latter group were the only ones who could have an expectation of compassion.

For his part, Magic Johnson had come to that place where he looked at death and was forced to decide what he would do with his life while he was dodging the final whistle. He chose basketball. He chose life. He chose to honour the gift he had been given and to honour those who took joy from it. That was his poem, his symphony, his song. His happiness.

There were those who felt that if Magic Johnson had died of Aids it would be a punishment worthy of his sins, a proof of some vindictive god giving a sinner what he deserved. And there was Magic Johnson in a parking lot at midnight talking about his realisation that life isn't about what anybody deserves, good or bad. God or no God. It's about what everybody owes. It's about finding ways to honour that debt to each other by giving the best of yourself. It's about contributing. That, he said, was happiness.

I think of him a lot when on days like this we talk about perspective. The death of a young person as vibrant and lovely as Michaela Harte will never make any sense. Nor can it, as we tritely say, put the joy of sport into some neat and shrunken perspective. No. It puts into perspective Nama and Anglo and Cowengate. It measures the futility of our dumb worries over mortgages and promotions and repayments. It frames for us the wanton stupidity of simple arguments, the fretting over mistakes and our serial failures to love each other and forgive each other.

Look back on this single lifetime granted to you and calculate how much time you have lost on those things and there is your regret. There is your perspective.

Sport is on the other side of the ledger.

Michaela Harte, for those of us hacks who would encounter her at the dressingroom door after a triumph or a calamity for Tyrone's footballers, was a happy, reassuring presence for the team in the room behind her. Some people, just by being themselves, become integral to the group around them.

We made jokes about her closeness with her Dad, the world's first conjoined father and daughter. But we had an envy of their great pride in each other. We had the aching recognition that every man wants to be a hero to his daughter and we knew that few of us will ever truly be that. We saw that in this journey the two of them were making there was a trust and a love which genuinely put other things into perspective.

Other things except sport. Sport as a form of expression, an instrument for self-fulfilment and a source of communal happiness. They understood that. Anybody who truly believes that sport is trivial will never achieve greatness. You can't give that much to trivia.

Ballygawley itself was once divided to its core in an argument over a summer league. What passion went into that long, long argument they had before Aireagal Chiaráin came into being! Mickey was at the centre of it and I suspect every time somebody said to Mickey to leave it be, that it was only football, he said to himself that if we can't get football right between us, if football can't be about the best of us, then what have we?

The questions sport asks don't shape us. Our response exposes us for what we are. Over the years it has revealed for us Mickey Harte's character and, by extension, the character of those around him, those he chooses and respects.

None of us today can presume to know Mickey Harte's pain or that of the Harte and McAreavey families. Yet even if some of us are unable to share it, the faith which Mickey Harte and those close to him have shown over the past week is a grace which is beautiful and inspiring to see.

It puts paid to what has always seemed to me to be the trite "closure" in the matter of grief and mourning. There is only a dulling of the pain and then a couple of questions. How to keep on keeping on, how to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

And how to honour and celebrate the life that has been lost.

Mickey Harte is a man to whom extraordinary gifts have been given and from whom great and unfair tolls have been taken. On this Monday morning, when he prepares to do one of the hardest things any man can ever be asked to do, the sense of feeling of compassion for him and for John McAreavey and for their families is as tangible and widespread as the weather on this island of ours.

On this desolate day it seems too early to think about summer, but when that season comes I hope Mickey Harte is on the sidelines again. He won't have healed, but he will be still writing his poem, he will still be the difference one life can make in the lives of others. And he will be doing the hardest thing, which is to keep on keeping on. Doing it in the best way.

Why is sport different? Nobody told Mozart and Salieri that music was trivial. Mozart spent the final, ailing months of his life trying to complete his Requiem Mass in D Minor. Salieri, according to legend, spent the months after Mozart's passing wondering how to steal it. Nobody said to them that this thing of beauty was trivial and that death should have given them perspective.

If you had what Magic Johnson had, if you had what, for all you knew, was a slender lease on life, a few more months or years, what would you do? Magic went back to his gift, and I know what Paul McGirr and Cormac McAnallen and Michaela Harte would do. They would immerse themselves in the lyric joy of the game and they'd stop sweating about the small stuff.

And if Mickey can keep going, keep drawing the fulfilment out of others, if he can keep giving – well, the good days will feel different and the bad days will feel worse.

Yet the sun on his back and the song in the wind which only he can hear, those things will be the gifts from his two lost players and his lovely daughter. They'll be cheering him on.

We all will.

Great piece by Tom Humphries.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire uirthi.

Footprints

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking
along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes
from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets
of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to him,
and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life
flashed before him,
he looked back
at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times
along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened
at the very lowest
and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and
he questioned the Lord about it,
"Lord, you said that once
I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed
that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only
one set of footprints.
I don't understand why
when I needed you most,
you would leave me."
The Lord replied,
"My son. My precious child,
I love you and
I would never leave you.
During your times
of trial and suffering,
when you see only
one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

God give them strength on this day.

was just reading a news article earlier it just painted the scene for me. think you could be back in the same church just 2 weeks after your wedding under such circumstances. It was almost bringing tears to my eyes all over again.

God bless them all.

I really pray for them tonight, and I pray to God the he gives them the strength to get through not just today, but the rest of their lives, until that unbearable pain becomes a little bit duller and they see a faint fraction of hope, that one day things might feel ok again.
It's a great piece by Tom Humphries, and he's right, summer feels an eternity away, but all they can do, and all we can hope for, is that they put one step in front of the other, and not be paralysed by the pain and grief, because the worst thing anyone can do, is stand still and stop living, sadly, the thought of living without her, no doubt seems impossible.

Words, sometimes, just aren't enough.

Them pictures of her husband at the funeral would break your heart. God love him and give him strength over the coming weeks, months and years. Life is just too cruel sometimes.

The last week has made me proud to be a member of the GAA and even more to be a member of Errigal Ciaran.

Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on January 17, 2011, 04:08:56 PM
Great piece by Tom Humphries.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire uirthi.

Very true Fear, excellent bit if scribing.

Quote from: EC Unique on January 17, 2011, 07:42:45 PM
The last week has made me proud to be a member of the GAA and even more to be a member of Errigal Ciaran.

And the last week has made me proud to be a member of this board. There was, at least on my behalf, initial anger, disbelieve and mixed with the sadness that we all expressed a desire to let loose random and unhelpful comments. Every member has contributed in a dignified way that I would certainly be proud of. I remember last year when a similar tragedy happened out in Wisconsin (Joe & Anne) and again the true spirit of the GAA shone true.

To all the Tyrone people on the board, I hope in time the tragedy of Michaela will become a little easier for you all.   

Quote from: EC Unique on January 17, 2011, 07:42:45 PM
The last week has made me proud to be a member of the GAA and even more to be a member of Errigal Ciaran.

Although in no way a consolation to the two families, the way in which GAA people across the country have shown their support to them is befitting of Michaela's memory, especially your own club Errigal Ciaran.

Quote from: EC Unique on January 17, 2011, 07:42:45 PM
The last week has made me proud to be a member of the GAA and even more to be a member of Errigal Ciaran.

100%, as I said in the other thread, I am not too sure if I am allowed to be proud today, but I was proud today of Tyrone and the GAA, and I too stand back and quietly applaud the devotion of EC today. Fair play to you all!

It really is hard to take in what has happened and this is from someone who didn't know her. What must it be like for her husband, her family and all those who did know her. It's clear that she hadn't a bad bone in her body. I have a sister round the same age. I would die if anything happened to her. Peter Robinson's tribute in the NI Assembly was quite moving. 

I've been on holidays in France and have cried sore every day over this story.  I felt quite isolated out there but reading this board has given me comfort in feeling that there are others who had the same emotions as me inspired by someone I've never met (but with whom I share mutual friends).

Without dwelling too much on it, Mickey Harte's statement that you never understand fully until you go through it is true, and much of my emotion has been driven by knowledge of the pain of unexpectedly losing a sibling and watching my parents deal with losing a child.  The Footprints reflection is entirely appropriate but that won't be evident to the Harte and McAreavy families for a while yet.

Like many others, I can't put into words what I think I want to say, but I know that in time the families will come to cherish the messages of support from everyone.  The help of families and friends will be invaluable too, and the wake and funeral memories will become bittersweet. 

I will pray for them all in the lonely and quiet days that are to come. 

When I Must Leave You


When I must leave you
For a little while,
Please do not grieve
And shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
Through the years,
But start out bravely
With a smile.

And for my sake
And in my name,
Live on and do
All the things the same.

Feed not your loneliness
On empty days,
But fill each waking hour
In useful ways.

Reach out your hand in comfort
And in cheer,
And I, in turn, will comfort you
And hold you near.
And never, never
Be afraid to die,
For I am waiting for you
In the sky.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Errigal Ciaran, the Tyrone county board and the GAA football community as a whole have done themselves and the families proud over the past week. 

I hope and pray that the families in time can in some way learn to come to terms with this tragedy. Perhaps the one thing that will keep them going is the thought that Michaela would surely have wanted to see them find some contentment again in their own lives.

really moving posts in here,

I have always liked this

The life that I have
Is all that I have
And the life that I have
Is yours


The love that I have
Of the life that I have
Is yours and yours and yours


A sleep I shall have
A rest I shall have
Yet death will be but a pause


For the peace of my years
In the long green grass
Will be yours and yours
And yours

A very sad week and a particularly heartbreaking day to watch Mickey Harte and young John stand arm in arm behind the body of a beautiful wife and daughter. In truth all the words in the world won't help the families but rather as time goes on it will be the wee things that become important. The small things that were all taken for granted, the little manorisms and the glowing presence of a beautiful young lady can never be replaced. I have a lump in my throat writing this but i can't imagine what that family are going through. In life i never gave Michaela much of a second thought, for me as an Armagh man she was always synonomous with Tyrone . Ricey put it perfectly when he said "she would always take the positive and focus on them even in the worst scenario". In many ways her friends, family and fellow gaels are returning that favour in her hour of need.

A lot of special people contributed to the terrific send off that she got today and i think a special mention should go to Father Mc Aleer and Bishop Mc Areavey for holding it together in such difficult and personal times

This will be my last post on this thread as i think it is time to let Michaela go into the arms of God .  Her family has lost a valuable member but we have all gained a friend whom we will hold dear to our hearts. This achievement speaks volumes of the person she was. We will have the privilleage of another great summer of football that will bring our culture and games to the forefront . something as simple as this is what Michaela was about. Her father, husband and greater GAA community will all be part of it. If anyone should ask me again what makes the GAA special my answer will be short and simple, Michaela Harte.

God Bless you now Michaela watch over your family in the caring way you did on earth RIP xxxxx

Great post win.

Though I have to say Father Gerard couldn't hold back the emotion anymore when the casket was lowered, the man broke down and it wasn't surprising given the connection him and Michaela had. It was a great service.

I think in the 7 full days  that have passed since the tragic news broke about Michaela we have witnessed everything that is good about the GAA and the community that has it at its core. We are all rightfully proud to be part of such an organisation and to the Tyrone Co. Board and the members of Errighal Ciaran we say how proud we are of all that you have done in this past week to ease the pain for the families and for the mourners. It was amazing to watch the organisation that went into the whole occasion and how everyone rallied to the cause with such dignity.

We also know that if, god forbid, a similar tragedy occurred in any of the clubs we belong to that we could rely on the same effort from fellow members because that is the sort of thing we do and do well when such things happen, no one says no. The tribute from Peter Robinson moved me as I felt it was genuine and sincere because I too have choked up on occasion this week when talking about Michaela whilst thinking of my own daughters, because we naturally think what if.

The new season will certainly feel different and as a Down man I will cry with joy if we lift Sam on the third Sunday and I will cry with pure emotion if Tyrone lift it because we all know something special is missing from the big day.

I do think that Peter Robinson's words in the Assembly were very well intentioned and superbly put. I think it was definite progress. It might be one small chink of light.

I'm not sure if I can recall seeing anything as sad though as when poor John McAreavey and Mickey Harte emerged first from the church, shouldering the coffin. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, let alone two men who, it has become apparent, are the epitome of virtue. Making sense of events is impossible. Time is meant to be a great healer is the line usually trotted out after death. That's no comfort. As someone says all Michaela's loved ones can try and do now is put one foot in front of the other and take solace in the knowledge of the great support they have received and will, I feel, continue to receive.

Very kind and well chosen words from Peter Robinson today.

Quote from: Jinxy on January 17, 2011, 11:49:19 PM
Very kind and well chosen words from Peter Robinson today.

True Jinxy. He was vey genuine.
The funeral scenes were heart breaking though. RIP Michaela. Good help John, Mickey, the Hartes and all her friends.

Some nice words from peter Robinson, also Rois, Winsamsoon, and several others on this thread

RIP Michaela

"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit"Psalm 34:18

Many people think that the last week has been the hardest time for the Harte and McAreavey familys but it is the days, weeks, months and years which lie ahead are going to be the toughest. Having bought a house and being fully furnished how John could ever step foot in that house again i do not know.

As a clubmate of John's the picture which i will always hold close to my heart is John lifting the championship cup and the size of Michaela's smile in the background. It shows how much both loved and cherished the GAA. That night of the championship success Michaela returned to the club to celebrate the success with John's team mates and club members. She congratulated each of the players and celebrated throughout the night just like she would have when her native Tyrone were successful. John is a fantastic lad and there is no doubt that he will be back playing for "the lish" in no time. It's the type of lad he is and it is what Michaela would want for him. He is a real role model within the club and all of the younger generation coming through look up to him. On behalf of the club i would like to thank the Eirregal Ciaran club on the organisation and help they have given the Harte's and McAreaveys over the past few days. They should be proud of what they have done. And I am also proud of my own club as this touched us as much as the Eirregal lads. The emotion which you could see on the service which we held on the Friday night showed how much Michaela meant to the club and especially to John's team mates one of who stood up at the end of the service who read a poem which he wrote about Michaela.

R.I.P. Michaela McAreavey
God Bless

The town isn't called tullylish - isn't is Lawrencetown or something - where did the club name come from?

Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2011, 02:19:25 PM
The town isn't called tullylish - isn't is Lawrencetown or something - where did the club name come from?

Tullylish is the name of the parish.

Quote from: seafoid on January 18, 2011, 02:19:25 PM
The town isn't called tullylish - isn't is Lawrencetown or something - where did the club name come from?

lawrencetown and gilford are the two main urban areas in the parish of tullylish. The pitch is in lawrencetown...

I thought gilford was in armagh? Is there two of them?

no gilford iS in county Down. County Down stretches as far as the bleary area which borders craigavon/lurgan

Would like to pass on my sincere condolences to both families. RIP Michaela.

BY DECLAN BOGUE
d.bogue@gaeliclife.com

IT was Con Houlihan who once made the observation that the atmosphere in a newsroom nowadays is comparable to a suburban pharmacy. It's a valid observation: the Internet has become the water-cooler of our times, and journalists no longer have to pump each other for information, it's all in the screen before them. It takes a remarkable event to electrify workers numbed by stale air and strip lighting.

This week however has been utterly different from any other. When news broke of the death of Michaela McAreavey on Monday, the shock paralysed all. As the week progressed, the horror of the details have appalled and sickened everyone.
In the tributes that have followed, two qualities are constantly namechecked - beauty and innocence. That her life met with such a disturbing and evil end is pitiful. The senselessness of everything has left the entire GAA community able to do very little except contemplate the horrific nature of this murder, and the fate of John McAreavey, upon discovering his wife and the weight he will carry through the rest of his life.

Most of us are aware of what it is like to lose someone in an untimely, unexpected and tragic death. But thankfully today, very few of us have to ever face up to thoughts of murder. As Mickey Harte said himself earlier, "A lot of people have had this experience before. We have tried to emphasise with them. But you can't get the feeling unless you have been there. And God save anybody having to go to this place."

In the closing scenes of 1996 movie, 'A Time To Kill', Matthew McConaughey's character Jake Brigance - in his role as Prosecuting Attourney - describes for the benefit of the jury the picture of a young black girl at her murder scene, which was motivated by race hate.
Then he asks the all-white jury to imagine her as white. It shunts them out of their comfort zone and brings their thoughts deeper into the scenario.

Anyone who has read about the scene in Mauritius will have had an epiphany of  somebody close to them in this horrific scenario - a daughter, a wife, a girlfriend. Only this is not the movies, this is real, it's unvarnished and it leaves you wondering at the natural order of the world, its' lack of fairness and the urges of greed.
If you give goodwill to humanity, the theory is that it will come back to you ten-fold. If so, the Harte family are due their share.

Michaela brought something different to the GAA. When Mickey was deliberating whether or not to leave his post as minor team manager in 1997, it was his daughter that outlined their goals for the next few years. Win the minors, win the Under 21s, win the seniors. Possibly with Father G. They did it all. Together.

In the last century, women played their role within the Association, but it was largely in the background, in a catering capacity, or consigned to the sidelines playing camogie, whioch has always been a minority sport. Michaela was visible, young and buzzing with energy. Her peers and younger saw that it was perfectly normal to have an interest in GAA and immerse yourself in the Irish culture. She dragged the notion of women in the GAA into the 21st century.

In doing so, she also set the example of being a true individual. A colleague this week was discussing Sean Cavanagh's tribute to her, and wondered what other young woman in University would be spending their time baking buns? And when you think about it, it has to be someone who knew their own mind and never even detected peer pressure on their radar.

Her relationship with her father was one such example. Some people felt uncomfortable with it, that she would want to share so publicly his hours of triumph. They couldn't have been aware of the goals she set for him, or how astonishingly he was in reaching them. Nor would they be aware that the day after Tyrone lost their replay to Down in the 2008 Ulster Championship, she presented him with a Father's Day card with a message inside, 'no matter what happens, you're the man.'

Her role in 2003 was so profound, you wonder if Tyrone followers ever consider how deep her influence was. It was Michaela, along with brother Mattie, who compiled the team CDs that they listened to on the way to matches, listening out for the words that inspired them. She also took it upon herself to present the players with miraculous medals, blessed by a local priest, and woven through with red and white thread the day before the All-Ireland final.

It might have been Adrian Logan who told Mickey Harte of the great pride he and his late brother had of belting out Amhrán na bhFiann before Tyrone games, and suggested that the players might learn the anthem themselves, but it was Michaela who printed out the words in phonetic English for the non-gaeilgeoirs of the squad. The vision of a team from the north belting out the Anthem louder than their southern opponents was an invaluable psychological edge.

Above all, her positivity and radiance helped grease the wheels of the entire operation with Tyrone. Every squad needs a good-vibes man, for example the Irish rugby team have been bouncing off the bonhomie of Paddy 'Rala' O'Reilly, their kitman for the past fifteen years. Tyrone had a good-vibes girl.

While Mickey Harte searched the earth for inspiration and found it in the likes of Bart McEnroe and George Zalucki, he also had the strength of character to recognise the talents of the people in his own living room. And that relationship is captured in the very last couple of paragraphs of 'Kicking Down Heaven's Door', Mickey's diary of the 2003 season with Kieran Shannon, when he says:
'Paddy [Tally] has talked about having this ceremonial fire to get rid of so many of the motivational tools and techniques we used this year. He has new plans. I have new plans. And you know what, Michaela has a new one too...'

We don't do public emotion in Ireland, but that's also changing. Examples like the love between Mickey Harte and his daughter, and the ease they had in each other's company, give us something to aspire towards.
Should Tyrone's game against Fermanagh go ahead this weekend, the likelihood is that Brewster Park will expect heaving crowds. In their own way, people will not be paying their respects exactly, but with everything in limbo they need a forum to congregate and talk through this. And that's nothing to be ashamed of.

Great piece by Bogue there. Although I wonder about quoting Matthew McConaughey in any serious piece!

This tribute has been shared around on Facebook more than 300 times but not in any papers so I thought I'd share it here as well.
http://www.jeromequinnmedia.com/-blog/Mickey--Michaela_31 (http://www.jeromequinnmedia.com/-blog/Mickey--Michaela_31)

What was Sean Kavanagh's tribute that they mention?

A few words of his appeared in the press in the immediate aftermath, about how much Michaela'd been a part of the team, and about how he often saw her on her way to work in the morning, and he on the way to his.

Very shocking and sad! RIP Michaela.

My sympathies to both families. A truly shocking tragedy for any family to have to deal with. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

I would just like to stress my sincere condolences to both families also. RIP Michaela

I joined the forum to try and get into GAA wee bit more but I would also like to ask at this point, does the members think it would be wrong of me to visit St Malachys to pay my respects as both myself and my wife wanted to attend the wake but were unable to due to work commitments, I feel as if I knew Michaela, strange as it may sound and since her death I cannot stop thinking about her, her father and also John, I have shed a few tears watching the news reports and on Monday I just felt numb in work thinking about the funeral.

Do you think it would be wrong of me to do this or is it the right thing to do.

Thanks
Marty

Quote from: derrymarty on January 22, 2011, 06:48:03 PM
I would just like to stress my sincere condolences to both families also. RIP Michaela

I joined the forum to try and get into GAA wee bit more but I would also like to ask at this point, does the members think it would be wrong of me to visit St Malachys to pay my respects as both myself and my wife wanted to attend the wake but were unable to due to work commitments, I feel as if I knew Michaela, strange as it may sound and since her death I cannot stop thinking about her, her father and also John, I have shed a few tears watching the news reports and on Monday I just felt numb in work thinking about the funeral.

Do you think it would be wrong of me to do this or is it the right thing to do.

Thanks
Marty

You wouldn't be wrong at all, I know plenty of people who have been to the grave already.  I'm sure the McAreavey and Harte families would appreciate every prayer that has been said for them whether it be at home, at the wake or at the graveside.

Brenda Power has a genuinely beautiful tribute to Michaela in the Sunday Times this morning. Said Michaela represented everything we thought we'd lost as a country in terms of values and beliefs. Very powerful piece.

I can't like here because of the Times paywall but anyone who sees the paper ought to read it.

Quote from: IolarCoisCuain on January 23, 2011, 12:57:34 PM
Brenda Power has a genuinely beautiful tribute to Michaela in the Sunday Times this morning. Said Michaela represented everything we thought we'd lost as a country in terms of values and beliefs. Very powerful piece.

I can't like here because of the Times paywall but anyone who sees the paper ought to read it.

Here yis are........

Brenda Power: Michaela was the All-Ireland girl we all could love

Of the three most powerful institutions in this state's history — the church, Fianna Fail and GAA — only one now still commands respect

(http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/multimedia/dynamic/00115/Power_115780k.jpg)

Faith, family, loyalty: as Michaela McAreavey was being carried to the chapel last Monday, she shared the headlines with the Fianna Fail heave. There was a time when the GAA, Fianna Fail and the Catholic church formed the three cornerstones of any rural Irish community. But however strong their lingering fidelity to the faith of their fathers, it's unlikely that many of the thousands of mourners at Michaela's funeral gave a thought to the death throes of Dev's party, and even less likely that they cared.

Faith, family and loyalty: these were the three cornerstones of Michaela's evidently luminous and delightful existence, and the words were inscribed on the missalette for her funeral mass on Monday, underneath a picture of the newlywed and her husband on their recent wedding day.

There are many reasons why her murder in a honeymoon hotel suite didn't just shock the country, but genuinely depressed and saddened people who had never met her. There was the sheer misfortune of the timing. A minute either way and she'd have missed the men who, police believe, went to her room to rifle her purse.

If the couple had spent a little longer over lunch, if the kitchen had been a little slower serving their meal, if the tea that required the biscuits had come just a moment later, the thieves would have been gone. A day or two afterwards, perhaps, she'd have counted the rupees in her purse, thought there should have been more, and put the shortfall down to an error with unfamiliar currency.

Judging by the profile of the suspects arrested, it seems the police reckon that the practice of sneaking into guests' bedrooms with the aid of an illicit key, and taking a small sum from a purse or pocket, may have been a common one. The theft of a purse would be noticed and reported, and any staff member involved would lose his coveted job, but pinching a few notes from a stuffed purse and leaving the scene undisturbed was a sustainable strategy.

If thieves entered the room and quickly grabbed the purse, though, they would have left by the time Michaela arrived. And she'd have thought that the loss of her spending money and jewellery was the worst thing that could have happened on her honeymoon. Out of such a near miss with normality a tragedy was made.

The proximity of one of life's happiest events, marriage, to its most distressing seemed almost deliberately cruel. The family's rare closeness, prominence and palpable decency and her dad's extraordinary eloquent expression of his heartache conspired to make Michaela McAreavey's murder a nationally unifying sadness.

But there was another reason why the whole country shared in genuine grief at the death of somebody else's child, sister and wife, and it's not a million miles from the unedifying antics unfolding elsewhere in the week of her funeral. Of the three most powerful institutions in this state's history — the church, Fianna Fail and GAA — only one still commands respect, and the Michaela McAreavey most of us only got to know after she died embodied everything about it that deserves that respect.

She represented everything about us that the convulsions of the past few years have failed to quench. She personified everything we feared we'd lost, and the irony was that we discovered it only after she was gone. Of all the pillars of Irish society, the GAA is the only one that remains unimpaired, and the Michaela McAreaveys of the country are its backbone.

Faith, family, loyalty. On All-Ireland Sunday mornings, the priests in my Kilkenny parish still pray for victory for the county team, and even club matches get a mention. The GAA is probably the only sporting organisation in the world which expects God to take sides. The players, from primary school to inter-county standard, give their time and talents freely for nothing more than the joy of the sport, the glory of the parish, the club and county.

There was a time when political loyalty was a shared household conviction — your parents' voting choices determined yours — but family allegiances are now splintered by cynicism and despair. But there's rarely much dissent about the GAA team a family supports, and family involvement is essential to the association's countrywide network. Fathers and older brothers coach the youngsters' teams, mothers and sisters wash jerseys.

Michaela McAreavey was a Celtic tiger cub, one of those relatively well-heeled teenagers who came of age just as the country began to grow prosperous. These are the twentysomethings, we've been told, who lack the resources to deal with the downturn, who've known nothing but instant gratification and enhanced expectations, whose moral compasses have been knocked out of kilter by affluence and the decline in traditional values.

The most persistent carp about the Rose of Tralee festival is that it purports to showcase the kind of Irish girl who doesn't exist any more: the wholesome, God-fearing, GAA-loving, devoted daughter and sister who is so modest and demure she needs a chaperone for a week away from home.

And yet, it turns out she exists after all. Michaela McAreavey, a former Ulster Rose, was a bright, popular, stylish and beautiful girl who lived a fulfilled and loving life according to old-fashioned values. She didn't smoke or drink or live with her boyfriend before they married. She loved her brothers, confided in her mum, adored her dad. She was madly, passionately engaged in the local GAA. A page from her diary as a 12-year-old, published in her father's recent memoir, spelled out in childish script her ambitions for the county team that year. And she had a deep faith.

She chose a career that allowed her to share both her beliefs and her love of Irish culture with the next generation. She married the kind of fellow any parents would be thrilled to see their daughter bring home, and she rounded off a perfect wedding with a trip to a paradise island. But for all the appeal of the exotic, she was content with the simplest pleasures: a half-finished packet of Rich Tea biscuits, still wrapped in the cling film that kept them fresh in a faraway hotel room, was carried to the altar at her funeral mass.

A diverting little spat has broken out between RTE and TV3 over Mad Men. RTE has secured the rights to broadcast the series, but is broadcasting it in a midnight slot, far too late for most viewers. TV3 complains that it would have run Mad Men much earlier if it had bought the series, and adds that this is another example of RTE using its clout — and the licence-fee revenue — to deny a commercial rival a popular show for which the national broadcaster seems not to have enough room in its schedule. TV3's claims might cut more ice, though, if it had actually bid for the series. RTE says that it was the only broadcaster to show an interest when it was for sale.

Speaking of Mad Men, TV3 bosses do have a point when they grumble that RTE is muscling in on Vincent Browne's territory by screening a late-night political discussion against his Tonight programme. So much for offering viewers a choice. Taking Browne on may prove unwise, however, because like Mad Men, he's got something of a late-night cult following himself.

brenda.power@sunday-times.ie

Well done on spotting and posting that article by Brenda Power lads. Exceptional piece of writing.

By Ciaran Woods

c.woods@gaeliclife.com

THERE'S now a calm and still over Glencull and over the humble little church at Ballymacilroy, which just a few days ago became the focus of the world's attention.

The cameras and journalists have all departed, and what is left are the memories of a precious wife, daughter, sister and friend who no more will grace us with her beaming presence.

Over the course of last weekend, 7,000 people travelled to line up, shake hands and pass on their condolences to the family of Michaela McAreavey.

I was one of them.

I knew Michaela to speak to and have football banter with. I spent seven years at school in Omagh CBS with her older brother Michael. Mark too was at the school when I was earning my education, and his wife Sinead is from just up the road from where I grew up. Michaela's younger brother Matty moved in the same circle of friends as my own brother, and of course I've had many dealings with Mickey through work and through football. It was something I felt I needed to do, and I certainly wasn't alone.

Joining me on the same shuttle bus, early Saturday morning were Tommy Carr and Bernard Flynn, the pair having departed from Mullingar at 8.00am to come and pay their respects. Stepping off another bus at the same time was Frank McGuigan senior, while inside the marquee as we queued was another Ulster great in Tony Scullion. Mickey Moran was there with Leitrim officials, while Armagh captain Stevie McDonnell and his manager Paddy O'Rourke were also there.

It's just a snapshot of the sort of GAA greats who made their way from across the country to pass on their condolences. Every other half hour over the course of the weekend brought a similar picture but with different names.

They mixed with community leaders, Tyrone supporters and most importantly neighbours and friends as they all came to show their support for the family whose lives had been shattered by the tragic loss.

My lasting memory of Michaela will be from 2005. Myself and my now wife Shauna were in RTE on the eve of the All-Ireland final for the recording of 'Up for the Match,' where Michaela and Jack O'Connor's daughter were guests on the show. Afterwards we chatted and joked in the green room about the filming and about the match which was to follow the next day.

"Anyway, I must go on here... I have to tuck the boys in before they go to sleep!" she joked as she left. She knew that people questioned her involvement, perhaps through jealousy more than anything else, but she was bigger than any of that. She just laughed it off because Michaela, and her father, knew how important her presence was in the Tyrone setup.

Throughout Tyrone's successful All-Ireland runs in the first half of the decade, Shauna worked through the summer in a fashion outlet in Omagh. Prior to each Tyrone game, Michaela would come in search of something to wear for that weekend's game. There was only one essential criteria; It must be red and white. She didn't wear the team polo shirts or tracksuits, but the colours alone showed that she was very much part of the team.

Her positivity was contagious, and for those who were close to her there is now a huge void which will be impossible to fill because Michaela Harte was a one-off.

ditches of the roads around Glencull cut up by the traffic, the trampled grass around St Malachy's church where the mourners watched the funeral ceremony on screens, will through time heal themselves. For her family and friends, the process will be much slower.

The Polish poet Aleksandra Lachut put it well in a piece written more than two decades ago. She may have been writing about a very different situation, one of newly-discovered love, but it's one which could just as easily have been penned her words this week following a visit to that tight-knit little community deep in Tyrone.

I love you in silence
because in silence
I find no hurt

I love you in silence
because in silence
I find no doubt

I love you in silence
because in silence
I find no jealousy

I love you in silence
because in silence
I find no regrets


But most of all...


I love you in silence
because in silence
I know you are mine


As the Hartes and McAreaveys set out on the long and difficult road which is the rest of their lives, they do so safe in the knowledge that Michaela is still theirs.

And in those difficult moments of silence, they will feel her presence there to guide them through.
And all our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with them throughout their testing journey.

A pair of fine pieces there. Cheers lads.

Quote from: ziggysego on January 24, 2011, 12:34:05 PM
By Ciaran Woods

c.woods@gaeliclife.com

THERE'S now a calm and still over Glencull and over the humble little church at Ballymacilroy, which just a few days ago became the focus of the world's attention.

Just the words I was about to use to describe my visit with my wife and two children to the grave yesterday to pay our repsects, very emotional visit and I never had the pleasure of meeting Michaela so I can't even begin to imagine what the Harte and McAreavey families are going through. Since Michaela's death I genuinely have been down and saddened but I really feel that the visit has helped to relieve this, I think it boils down to being annoyed at the fact I couldn't make it to the funeral or wake.

May I just say again sincere sympathy to the Harte and McAreavey families.

RIP Michaela.
God Bless

Its a tragedy, and theres nothing more that can be said really.
Rest in peace Michaela.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHxXbR3MwoM

Just decided to edit some clips of the recent media activities surrounding Michaela's passing. Over all, I felt the media handled the situation quite well especially UTV. This is  basically is a combination of music and some clips before during and after that awful event. In addition there is also a poem from one of the very established members of the board. Obviously because it is a very sensitive subject I left out some of the stronger language the media use to descibe such horrid events.

Thanks Baile an tuaigh...Very moving don't think anyone could watch that without shedding a few tears
Not sure who John is on here but the poem was very nice and also heartbreaking

Quote from: Baile an tuaigh on January 28, 2011, 03:30:13 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHxXbR3MwoM

Just decided to edit some clips of the recent media activities surrounding Michaela's passing. Over all, I felt the media handled the situation quite well especially UTV. This is  basically is a combination of music and some clips before during and after that awful event. In addition there is also a poem from one of the very established members of the board. Obviously because it is a very sensitive subject I left out some of the stronger language the media use to descibe such horrid events.

Well done Baile.

Seriously sad footage in there.

Would take a tear from a stone....it doesn't come any more tragic than that.

Quote from: Baile an tuaigh on January 28, 2011, 03:30:13 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHxXbR3MwoM

Just decided to edit some clips of the recent media activities surrounding Michaela's passing. Over all, I felt the media handled the situation quite well especially UTV. This is  basically is a combination of music and some clips before during and after that awful event. In addition there is also a poem from one of the very established members of the board. Obviously because it is a very sensitive subject I left out some of the stronger language the media use to descibe such horrid events.

a credit to you, sensitively done and very touching.

That's an excellent piece. I had a lump in my throat watching it. The music was very good as well. What a tragic waste.

Quote from: Baile an tuaigh on January 28, 2011, 03:30:13 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHxXbR3MwoM

Just decided to edit some clips of the recent media activities surrounding Michaela's passing. Over all, I felt the media handled the situation quite well especially UTV. This is  basically is a combination of music and some clips before during and after that awful event. In addition there is also a poem from one of the very established members of the board. Obviously because it is a very sensitive subject I left out some of the stronger language the media use to descibe such horrid events.

very well doen indeed :'( :'(

That was as beautiful and fitting as it was heartbreaking to watch. Thanks for putting such a lovely piece together. Few tears wiped away watching that - I'd not seen any footage or pictures of John McAreavey but the grief etched on him is hauntingly painful to watch - I can't imagine what the lad goes through on a daily basis since this happened.

Very touching video. Tough to watch.  :(

Very touching....no idea how they'll over come this  :(

A lovely tribute to a beautiful girl. Well done Baile.

That is very well done Baile an tuaigh.

Incredibly tough to watch :(

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the tragic events in Mauritius.

Hard to believe alright. Just watched that video again there now. Really hits me. 

I see the hotel in Mauritius changed it's name.

I know its not nice dredging it all up again, but have they actually charged someone with the murder or whats the situation? Seemed fairly amateurish carry on from what I remember of the last reports i saw.

cant believe it has been a year already. still brings  atear to my eye when I see her face or read anything about her. Thoughts are with John and her entire family at this hard time. Its a terrible few weeks for them. first xmas and new year wihtout her, wedding anniversary, her birthday and now the anniversary. I really feel for them and hope they're coping. i know this sounds stupid but I nearly feel like I knew her even though I've never met her. just from seeing her on tv with Mickey you feel like you know her and through the GAA community. RIP Michaela

Quote from: Ciarrai_thuaidh on January 10, 2012, 06:13:47 PM
I know its not nice dredging it all up again, but have they actually charged someone with the murder or whats the situation? Seemed fairly amateurish carry on from what I remember of the last reports i saw.

From today's Irish Times:

Two face trial over Harte murder

STEWART MACLEAN

Two men accused of killing Michaela Harte in Mauritius will go on trial  in May, a court was told today.

Avinash Treebhowon (29) and Sandip Mooneea (41) were formally charged with her murder at the country's Supreme Court this morning. The hearing will start on May 22nd and is scheduled to last two weeks.

Prosecutor Mehdi Choony said the hotel workers were not asked to enter a plea this morning, at the request of their lawyers, but confirmed they would be ordered to do so when next in court.

"The two suspects were in court this morning and had the murder charges read to them," he said.

The court heard both men intended to plead not guilty.

The court hearing comes a year after they were arrested following the death of Ms Harte (27), from Ballygawley Co Tyrone, on January 10th, 2011, at the luxury Legends resort.

The teacher was found strangled in her hotel room on the island where she was on honeymoon with Co Down GAA player John McAreavey. It is not clear if he will be called to give evidence.

Detectives claimed Mr Treebhowon had confessed that the two men strangled the former Rose of Tralee contestant by accident after she found them stealing from her purse. He has since claimed the confession was made under torture.

He and Mr Mooneea, a cleaning supervisor at the hotel, have since denied any involvement in the killing.

Three other hotel workers were arrested in connection with the killing. Room cleaner Raj Theekoy (31) is one of the key witnesses for the prosecution.

Security guards Seenarain Mungoo (39) and Dassen Narainen (26) also appeared in court, charged with conspiracy to commit murder, following claims they helped Ms Harte's killers by supplying a magnetic key card which gave access to guests' rooms.

QuoteIn recent times, along with my family, I have experienced great sadness and tragedy," he said.

"Having consulted with colleagues and friends, I have now decided to undertake this period of personal renewal

I see that Bishop McAreavy is to take a break, and some of the press are citing Michaela's murder as the reason, though if that is the case then I dont understand it.

God rest the poor girl, even if the press seem determined not to.

Quote from: Orior on November 13, 2012, 10:07:31 PM

QuoteIn recent times, along with my family, I have experienced great sadness and tragedy," he said.

"Having consulted with colleagues and friends, I have now decided to undertake this period of personal renewal

I see that Bishop McAreavy is to take a break, and some of the press are citing Michaela's murder as the reason, though if that is the case then I dont understand it.

He also lost his mother earlier this year, that and an onerous job in the Catholic Church would take anyone down. John McAreavey has proven to be one of the better Bishops over the last few scandal hit years. good luck to him.

Good luck to Bishop McAreavey ... given what both families have been through, never mind the pressures of his own job, and as mentioned above, the death of his mother, anyone in the same position would need time out.

Also, what happened in Mauritius, both the murder and the serious lack of justice, would test the strongest of faiths.  As is always said at times of grief, God moves in mysterious ways, and that's an understatement.

An over-reaction I feel. Many people, myself included, suffered major tragedies in life but, for our own sakes and the sake of the rest of the family, got on with our lives and the pressures of our work.

Quote from: Sandy Hill on November 14, 2012, 08:27:59 PM
An over-reaction I feel. Many people, myself included, suffered major tragedies in life but, for our own sakes and the sake of the rest of the family, got on with our lives and the pressures of our work.

I'm sure there are a lot of people who have suffered tragedies but if someone said to you, get over it, you'd be pretty pissed off.

Quote from: Sandy Hill on November 14, 2012, 08:27:59 PM
An over-reaction I feel. Many people, myself included, suffered major tragedies in life but, for our own sakes and the sake of the rest of the family, got on with our lives and the pressures of our work.

That is along the lines that I was thinking. And being a priest he has witnessed the worst of the troubles, burying lots of closed caskets along the way. So I was wondering why one murder or the death of a parent would suddenly tip the balance.

But of course everyone is different, and I'm not in anyway condemning or judging.

Quote from: Orior on November 14, 2012, 08:52:27 PM

Quote from: Sandy Hill on November 14, 2012, 08:27:59 PM
An over-reaction I feel. Many people, myself included, suffered major tragedies in life but, for our own sakes and the sake of the rest of the family, got on with our lives and the pressures of our work.

That is along the lines that I was thinking. And being a priest he has witnessed the worst of the troubles, burying lots of closed caskets along the way. So I was wondering why one murder or the death of a parent would suddenly tip the balance.

But of course everyone is different, and I'm not in anyway condemning or judging.

I don't understand your mentality at all. He's an elderly man who has suffered through two difficult events. Why is it such a surprise he would take a break from the responsibilities of being a bishop?

Quote from: trileacman on November 15, 2012, 09:26:58 AM

Quote from: Orior on November 14, 2012, 08:52:27 PM

Quote from: Sandy Hill on November 14, 2012, 08:27:59 PM
An over-reaction I feel. Many people, myself included, suffered major tragedies in life but, for our own sakes and the sake of the rest of the family, got on with our lives and the pressures of our work.

That is along the lines that I was thinking. And being a priest he has witnessed the worst of the troubles, burying lots of closed caskets along the way. So I was wondering why one murder or the death of a parent would suddenly tip the balance.

But of course everyone is different, and I'm not in anyway condemning or judging.

I don't understand your mentality at all. He's an elderly man who has suffered through two difficult events. Why is it such a surprise he would take a break from the responsibilities of being a bishop?

Its a surprise because I have never heard of such a thing happening before.

Quote from: Orior on November 15, 2012, 11:02:15 AM

Quote from: trileacman on November 15, 2012, 09:26:58 AM

Quote from: Orior on November 14, 2012, 08:52:27 PM

Quote from: Sandy Hill on November 14, 2012, 08:27:59 PM
An over-reaction I feel. Many people, myself included, suffered major tragedies in life but, for our own sakes and the sake of the rest of the family, got on with our lives and the pressures of our work.

That is along the lines that I was thinking. And being a priest he has witnessed the worst of the troubles, burying lots of closed caskets along the way. So I was wondering why one murder or the death of a parent would suddenly tip the balance.

But of course everyone is different, and I'm not in anyway condemning or judging.

I don't understand your mentality at all. He's an elderly man who has suffered through two difficult events. Why is it such a surprise he would take a break from the responsibilities of being a bishop?

Its a surprise because I have never heard of such a thing happening before.

You've never heard of someone who lost two relatives in quick succession, one in tragic circumstances, take a break from their job?

Quote from: Orior on November 14, 2012, 08:52:27 PM

Quote from: Sandy Hill on November 14, 2012, 08:27:59 PM
An over-reaction I feel. Many people, myself included, suffered major tragedies in life but, for our own sakes and the sake of the rest of the family, got on with our lives and the pressures of our work.

That is along the lines that I was thinking. And being a priest he has witnessed the worst of the troubles, burying lots of closed caskets along the way. So I was wondering why one murder or the death of a parent would suddenly tip the balance.

But of course everyone is different, and I'm not in anyway condemning or judging.

Christ almighty next you'll be telling people with depression to pull themselves together. Grief, death and stress hit us all differently, I have never seen such crass and unthinking comments. Next you will be advocating that Gay people should just get straight or cancer patients should just heal themselves.

Quote from: Applesisapples on November 15, 2012, 11:31:03 AM

Quote from: Orior on November 14, 2012, 08:52:27 PM

Quote from: Sandy Hill on November 14, 2012, 08:27:59 PM
An over-reaction I feel. Many people, myself included, suffered major tragedies in life but, for our own sakes and the sake of the rest of the family, got on with our lives and the pressures of our work.

That is along the lines that I was thinking. And being a priest he has witnessed the worst of the troubles, burying lots of closed caskets along the way. So I was wondering why one murder or the death of a parent would suddenly tip the balance.

But of course everyone is different, and I'm not in anyway condemning or judging.

Christ almighty next you'll be telling people with depression to pull themselves together. Grief, death and stress hit us all differently, I have never seen such crass and unthinking comments. Next you will be advocating that Gay people should just get straight or cancer patients should just heal themselves.

Yes, but did I tell you to ignore the sentence highlighted above?

Dick.

Time to close the thread?


Think everyone has had their say on the tragedy and the aftermath.

Quote from: Orior on November 15, 2012, 11:57:25 AM

Quote from: Applesisapples on November 15, 2012, 11:31:03 AM

Quote from: Orior on November 14, 2012, 08:52:27 PM

Quote from: Sandy Hill on November 14, 2012, 08:27:59 PM
An over-reaction I feel. Many people, myself included, suffered major tragedies in life but, for our own sakes and the sake of the rest of the family, got on with our lives and the pressures of our work.

That is along the lines that I was thinking. And being a priest he has witnessed the worst of the troubles, burying lots of closed caskets along the way. So I was wondering why one murder or the death of a parent would suddenly tip the balance.

But of course everyone is different, and I'm not in anyway condemning or judging.

Christ almighty next you'll be telling people with depression to pull themselves together. Grief, death and stress hit us all differently, I have never seen such crass and unthinking comments. Next you will be advocating that Gay people should just get straight or cancer patients should just heal themselves.

Yes, but did I tell you to ignore the sentence highlighted above?

Dick.

My comment related to the totality of the posts included and not just yours alone, however you still say that you were thinking along those lines. If you have to resort to name calling I must have hit a nerve!