Elaine O'Hara's family has released a statement following the conviction earlier today of Graham Dwyer of her murder.
The family said:
“We are relieved that justice has been served for Elaine but we still suffer her loss and miss her greatly.
“We hope that this case will highlight the need for people to be careful when communicating using the internet and social media.
"We would like to thank An Garda Síochána for their sensitive and exemplary investigation. We would also like to thank the prosecution team, Garda Family Liaison officers, Victim Support at Court and extended family and friends for their support.
“This has been a difficult and traumatic two and a half years for the family and while we respect the role of the media in providing accurate and important information, we ask that that you respect our need for privacy as we attempt to move on from this heartbreaking and distressing period.
“We will not be making any further comment at this time.”
A statement from Dwyer, issued through his solicitor Jonathan Dunphy, thanked his legal team and appealed for privacy.
“I wish to refer to take this opportunity to formally thank my legal team, my solicitor Jonathan Dunphy, senior counsel Remy Farrell, barristers Ronan Kennedy and Kate McCormack, for their work and dedication since 2013,” he said.
“I also wish to thank my family, friends and colleagues for their continued unwavering support throughout this period.
“To the members of the media, I am grateful for the privacy you have afforded both my family and people close to me during the trial. I now respectfully ask that you continue to respect their privacy and I confirm that there will be no further comment by my family or myself concerning this case whatsoever. Thanks you. Graham Dwyer.”
A statement issued on behalf of Graham Dwyer’s estranged wife Gemma Dwyer and her immediate family sai d they have noted the proceedings of the court and its guilty verdict.
“Their thoughts and condolences are with the O’Hara family for the grief and pain they are suffering.
“In the interests of maintaining privacy, and in particular to protect the interests of her children, Gemma Dwyer and members of her immediate family - parents, siblings and children - will not be making any further comment now, or in the future, on the case.
“The family would request that the media and members of the public respect their privacy in any further reporting or commentary, particularly with regard to the need to protect their children from any intrusion into their lives.”
A&D Wejchert & Partners, the Dublin architect’s firm where Graham Dwyer worked, issued a statement this evening.
“Everybody involved with the firm was shocked at the distressing evidence that was presented during this trial. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this case at this very difficult time,” it said.
“Graham Dwyer’s employment with the firm was terminated in 2013, following his arrest. The firm gave its full co-operation to the gardaí to assist with their investigation. We note the jury’s verdict and have no further comment to make on the case.”