The family of murdered PSNI constable Ronan Kerr have thanked those who helped with his funeral.
The 25-year-old Catholic died when a dissident republican booby-trap bomb exploded under his car in Omagh, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, earlier this month.
In the notice in Belfast’s morning newspapers, his mother Nuala, brothers Cathair and Aaron, sister Dairine and wider family expressed their heartfelt thanks.
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.
The family added it was a beautiful and memorable Requiem Mass.
“Sincere thanks to Cardinal Seán Brady for his strong and moving plea to the congregation and the wider community,” they said.
Cardinal Brady asked that there be no more violence. But on Monday the Real IRA renewed its threat to kill police officers.
The Requiem Mass was attended by political leaders from across Ireland including Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Northern Ireland Secretary of State Owen Paterson.
The acknowledgement said: “Thanks to family friends and neighbours and to Ronan’s friends and colleagues who were all a great source of support and comfort and who helped in so many ways at this time.”
It also gives special thanks to those who attended to Constable Kerr following the attack, including the fire service, PSNI and ambulance service.
The notice added that it was being issued on behalf of members of the Kerr family across Ireland and around the world, including those in London and Canada.
Mass for Constable Kerr will be held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Beragh on May 3rd marking a month since his death.
PA