THE family of murdered Cork student Karen Buckley have thanked people in Scotland for their "huge outpouring of support and sympathy".
Ms Buckley's parents, John and Marian, today expressed their gratitude to the Scottish people for their support.
In a statement issued through The Irish Examiner, Mr Buckley said: "We are very grateful for all the support and messages of sympathy we received from so many people from all over Scotland at this terrible time for our family.
"We would like to thank everybody in Scotland who helped us in any way.
"The Scottish police were wonderful and very professional right through it all.”
He said that some police officers "took the trouble to travel to Ireland for Karen's funeral" and added "It was a very kind and thoughtful thing to do."
Mr Buckley added: "We are extremely upset that Karen will never have the chance to live out her life, travel more and pursue her career in occupational therapy.
"That maybe someday she could have a family of her own and enjoy a happy and eventful life, which is what she would have wanted.
"We are still in shock and disbelief and it sometimes feels like all of this isn't real."
Ms Buckley, a qualified nurse, was studying occupational therapy at Glasgow Caledonian University having moved to Scotland in February.
The 24-year-old went missing on April 12 after leaving a nightclub in Glasgow.
Her body was found at High Craigton Farm, near Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, after a four-day search.
Alexander Pacteau, 21, from Glasgow, has been charged with her murder.
He made no plea or declaration when making his second appearance at Glasgow Sheriff Court in April, and was remanded in custody.
