Tarnished reputation

A 95-year-old Irish priest who has lived most of his life in Mauritius said he fears the murder of Michaela McAreavey will tarnish the holiday island’s hospitable reputation.

The concerns of Fr Bernard Farrelly, pictured, appear to be borne out in part by the latest visitor figures on arrivals from Ireland.

However, while 22% fewer Irish are now travelling to the Indian Ocean island in the wake of the crime, overall tourism rates continue to go in the other direction. For the first time Mauritius is forecast to attract more than one million visitors this year — up 3.1% on 2011.

Cavan native Fr Farrelly, who retired from active ministry three years ago, insisted the crime does not reflect the true nature of the country and its people.

“It was a terrible tragedy,” he said, speaking from his little bungalow beside the white stone Catholic church in Sainte Croix near the capital Port Louis.

He said the murder was inexplicable and “might have an adverse effect on the tourism because Mauritius has a great reputation for hospitality, or it had anyway... it may damage its good reputation”.

He said locals have prayed for Michaela and her husband John since her death.

Mr McAreavey, his father Brendan, sister Claire, and brother-in-law Mark Harte stayed at a Catholic retreat on the island throughout the trial.

In 2010, the year before Mrs McAreavey’s death, a total of 3,460 Irish citizens visited the island.

The following year the number dipped significantly to 2,717.

To read more on the Michaela McAreavey murder trial, click here