By Sarah Mac Donald - 16 April, 2015
Karen Buckley. Pic courtesy – thejournal.ie
The community in Mourneabbey in Co Cork gathered on Wednesday evening in a prayerful expression of solidarity with the family of Karen Buckley.
The main celebrant, Fr Joe O’Keeffe, parish priest of Mourneabbey, said the simple ceremony was an opportunity for the community to support the Buckley family in spirit and prayer.
In a statement, Bishop William Crean of Cloyne offered prayerful support to the family on behalf of the diocese.
“We have all been deeply touched by the unconditional love expressed by John and Marian for their daughter Karen,” the Bishop said.
He asked the parish community of Mourneabbey to join with him in prayer for Karen and for her parents, Marian and John, and her brothers Brendan, Kieran and Damian.
The 24-year-old nurse only arrived in Glasgow in January to study for an MSc in occupational therapy at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Neighbours in Mourneabbey are looking after the Buckley family farm as John and Marian Buckley remain in Glasgow.
Fr Joe O’Keeffe told the Irish Times, “I know for a fact particularly the neighbours and friends are rallying around and looking after the homestead while Karen’s parents are in Glasgow and they are doing all they can to support the family from this side.”
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Mourneabbey near Mallow was packed to overflowing for the Mass on Wednesday evening.
Another priest, Fr Sean Corkery told the Irish Times, “They are a beautiful family. We are shocked and stunned. You can’t have that happen to one of your own and not be that way. She is missing and we all pray and hope the family feel the strength of the community behind them,” he said.
A man is to appear in court after remains which are thought to be those of Karen Buckley were discovered on farmland outside Glasgow.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said his thoughts and prayers were with Karen’s parents John and Marian.
Karen Buckley’s former classmates in nursing at the University of Limerick has set up to dedicated page to raise funds for her family. http://www.gofundme.com/s3k8ry2jg
