Family of murdered Karen Buckley thank '˜very many people' for support

A major police search was launched when Ms Buckley was reported missing by friends on April 12 last year when she failed to return after leaving a nightclub in Glasgow’s west end.

The 24-year-old’s body was found at High Craigton Farm on the north-western outskirts of the city following a four-day search.

Alexander Pacteau pleaded guilty to her murder in August and was jailed for 23 years.

He had met Ms Buckley outside the Sanctuary nightclub and killed her in his car before attempting to dispose of the body.

A Buckley family statement was published in the Irish Examiner on Saturday which read: “We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the very many people who went out of their way to help and support us at the time of her death and ever since.

“It was, and continues to be, very much appreciated by all of us and our extended family.

“We are indebted to the professionalism and great courtesy of the Scottish police and our own Garda Siochana for all the help we received in coping with the terrible tragedy; to the Scottish people who held a vigil for Karen in Glasgow and prayed with us.

“To everybody who has shared our terrible loss please accept this acknowledgement of our profound gratitude.”

The family also described local priest Father Joe O’Keefe as a “rock of support and a true friend”.

Tributes were paid to Ms Buckley at a mass marking the first anniversary of her death on Friday.

Around 200 people including her family and friends attended a mass in Analeentha, Co Cork, to remember the nursing student’s life.