Family of murdered police officer Ronan Kerr pay funeral tributes

Published on Thursday 28 April 2011 17:58

The family of murdered Constable Ronan Kerr have thanked those who helped with his funeral.

The Catholic new recruit, 25, died when a dissident republican booby-trap bomb exploded under his car in Omagh, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, earlier this month.

His mother Nuala, brothers Cathair and Aaron, sister Dairine and wider family expressed their heartfelt thanks in Belfast newspapers.

They said: "We pay special tribute to the PSNI, family and district liaison team who assisted and guided us through difficult tasks associated with Ronan in a dignified and respectful manner. We give special thanks to the GAA at both local and county level for their support and contribution during this difficult time."

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) played unprecedented joint roles in the service in Beragh, Co Tyrone, and stood side by side to form a guard of honour. Constable Kerr played for the Beragh GAA club until he was 18. He was a great communicator who was full of enthusiasm for his new job in the police service, friends said.

The family added it was a beautiful and memorable Requiem Mass. It was attended by political leaders from across Ireland including Northern Ireland first minister Peter Robinson, deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, Northern Ireland secretary of state Owen Paterson and Irish taoiseach Enda Kenny.