Tributes flood in for Mickey Harte's daughter

Tributes are pouring in this morning for Michaela Harte and her family.

It comes after police in Mauritius investigating her death said she was murdered.

It follows a post mortem examination which confirmed that the 27-year-old was strangled while on honeymoon on the island.

Chair of Tyrone GAA, Kieran Mc Laughlin, said the entire GAA community has been rocked by the news.

Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey, who married the teacher to his nephew, said the young footballer was devastated.

“She was the love of his life, absolutely and truly. He adored her and talked about her with such warmth,” he said.

“He loved everything about her: her faith, her personality, her love for things Gaelic and Irish, her sparkle.

“I have a sense tonight that a light has gone out with the death of Michaela.”

Father Brian Hackett, the Harte family’s priest, said: “Her big thing was her daddy being the manager of Tyrone. She went everywhere with him. She was a religious girl. She was a dedicated Tyrone supporter.”

Journalist Adrian Logan, a former sports presenter with Ulster Television who reported extensively on Tyrone’s All-Ireland wins in 2003, 2005 and 2008, said: “Mickey adored her. He was totally devoted. He just thought the world of her. He told me ’She’s my little jewel’.”

Mr Logan added: “He refused to do any post-match interviews after those games until she stood beside him. That’s how much she meant to him. She was his number one fan.”

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness passed on their condolences.

Mr Robinson said: “It was with deep sadness that I learnt of the death of Michaela Harte. I would like to pass my deepest condolences to her husband John, her father Mickey and to all of her family.”

Mr McGuinness said: “Just a matter of days ago it was a joyous occasion when Michaela married John (McAreavey) and no doubt they planned a long and happy life together.

“They had so much to live for but now their hopes have been cruelly dashed by the tragic death of Michaela.”