Tributes have been pouring in across the country following the murder of much-loved Michaela Harte who was murdered in Mauritius this week.
The daughter of Tyrone Senior Football manager Mickey Harte, Michaela had just recently married John Mc Areavey and had been enjoying her honeymoon on the idyllic honeymoon island.
Former Rose of Tralee Kilkenny’s Orla O’Shea had only spoken to Michaela two days before her wedding in December. The two women had become friends during the 2004 Rose of Tralee when Michaela represented Ulster and Orla represented Kilkenny and went onto win the competition.
A saddened Orla spoke of her shock at hearing the news of Michaela’s death.
“I am so sad for her husband and family. My heart just goes out to them. I met Michaela in 2004 and while we didn’t see each other often, every few months we would drop each other a text. However what I did know of Michaela was how passionate she was about her family, football and of course John.
“Whenever you were in her presence she had this serene way about her, she was very spiritual and religious and extremely generous to those in her life.”
Orla recalled how she had a conversation with Michaela two days before her wedding.
“I spoke to her to wish her luck on her big day and she was just so excited, like any girl about to get married. She was full of joy and great plans for the future — and that’s what makes it even more sad is that she had her whole life ahead of her. I really am so saddened for Michaela’s family and John and his family and my thoughts and prayers are with them all at this tragic time.”
GAA President Criostóir Ó Cuana has also offered the sympathies of the Association to John McAreavey and the Harte family on the tragic death of Michaela in Mauritius. Speaking on behalf of the wider GAA family, the GAA president acknowledged the support of Michaela in the role of her father Mickey as Tyrone minor, U21 and senior football team manager and the positive image she portrayed of the Association.
He said, “our thoughts and prayers are with Michaela’s family and the wider Harte family, her husband John and the McAreavey’s at this tragic time.
“Michaela was a familiar face to so many GAA followers up and down the country having been at her father’s side through what has been the most memorable period in the history of the GAA in Tyrone. Her radiant smile, passion for life and interest in all things Gaelic were immediately obvious to anyone who crossed her path and the loss to those who loved her most must be incalculable at this most difficult time.
He added, “her presence at not only football matches but in so many areas of life will be sadly missed at a time when she and her husband should have been planning a bright future together. The tragic timing and circumstances makes the loss even worse and the condolences of the Association are offered to her loved ones.”
Three men have been charged in connection with the murder of Micheala McAreavey.
Avinash Treebhoowoon, 29 confessed to the murder while Sandip Moneea, 41, has also been charged with murder and a third man, Raj Theekoy, 33, has been charged with conspiracy to murder.
The three men are from Mauritius and are employees of the hotel where the McAreaveys were staying — two of the men are room attendants and the third is a supervisor.
All have been remanded in custody until 19 January.
