Council Chairs Express Symapthy To Harte And Mc Areavey Families.

Tuesday 11.01.2011

Club

The Chairs of Tyrone’s four Councils have expressed sympathy with the Harte and Mc Areavey families on the tragic death of Michaela.

The Mayor of Dungannon, Michelle O Neill MLA said ‘This is a terrible tragedy to befall both families.  Michaela was a much loved wife, sister and daughter.   She was a very positive person, who had a promising career and life ahead of her with loving husband John, who she married less than two weeks ago.  This is a terrible loss of a beautiful and bright young woman and I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy to her grieving family.”

The Chair of Omagh Council, Declan Mc Aleer said ‘The local community is completely stunned at this tragedy.  I walked down the main street in Omagh this morning and there was an eerie silence.  People cannot believe what has happened and their prayers are with both families at this time.   As an expression of sympathy, the Council will open a book of condolence.  This will be launched in the Public Services Centre on Wednesday at 9:30 am and members of the public are strongly encouraged to come along and leave messages of sympathy.”

John Mc Namee, the Chair of Cookstown Council and lifelong Gael said ‘The people of Cookstown and surrounding district are shocked and numbed at the tragic death of Michaela.  The shock and sadness lies in stark contrast to the celebrations and good times that we experienced in recent years with the All Ireland success of the Tyrone team which was managed by Mickey with Michaela faithfully by his side.  The people of Cookstown share in their immense sense of sadness and loss.”

In the West of the county, the Chair of Strabane Council, Michaela Boyle said ‘The tragic death of Michaela is the single topic of conversation in every house and on every street corner throughout the district.  As the first citizen of this district, I have been contacted by many people and by Councillors from all party’s seeking a means to express our sympathy.  In response to this, I intend to suspend standing orders at the outset of our monthly Council meeting this evening and follow this up by opening a book of condolences for the public to sign. My sympathy and the sympathy of the people of Strabane district are with the Harte and Mc Areavey families at this devastating time”.