Extra books of condolences open in memory of Karen Buckley

The tragedy of Karen Buckley's disappearance and murder in Glasgow has touched people in her native Co Cork so much that books of condolences are being opened in towns across the county.

The Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Alan Coleman, said the council was opening books of condolence in all of its offices to meet public demand.

“We had originally planned to open a book of condolence at County Hall and another at our offices in Mallow near Karen’s home place of Mouneabbey,” said Cllr Coleman.

“But we were contacted by so many people, initially across North Cork, who wanted to express their sympathy to the family that we decided to open books of condolences in all our North Cork offices.

“We opened books of condolences in Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Charleville, Kanturk, Newmarket and Millstreet so people would have the opportunity locally to express their support for the Buckleys .

“But then people started coming into our offices in Skibbereen and Clonakilty and Bantry in West Cork looking to sign books of condolences so we’ve extended it to our offices all over the county.”

Cllr Coleman said the tragedy was one which every Irish family could relate to as so many people have sons and daughters either working or studying aboard and it had struck a chord with so many.

“It really is every family’s greatest nightmare – the phone call that every parent dreads getting to be told that something has happened to one of their sons or daughters abroad,” he said.

“That would be bad enough but given the details that we have heard from Glasgow, this sounds an even more horrific tragedy for the Buckley family and people genuinely feel for them.”

Meanwhile Cork City Council has also followed suit with Lord Mayor of Cork City, Cllr Mary Shields opening a book of condolence at Cork City Hall where people can express their sympathy.

The great outpouring of sympathy for the family comes as Ms Buckley’s parents, John and Marian still await news from the Scottish authorities about when their daughter’s body will be released to them.

Informed sources told The Irish Times at the weekend that it would be Wednesday at the earliest before Ms Buckley’s body would be released to the family to allow them bring her home for burial.

However it is now understood it may be later in the week. The Irish Consul in Edinburgh is liaising closely with the Scottish authorities to secure the release of Ms Buckley’s body.