Michaela's Funeral Service 'Unites Ireland'

The funeral of Michaela McAreavey, the daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football boss Mickey Harte, is due to take place today.

Thousands of mourners are expected at the funeral, including Irish President Mary McAleese and other high profile dignitaries from Northern Ireland.

Mrs McAreavey, 27, was found strangled in her hotel room in Mauritius a week ago.

Three men have been charged with murder and are currently remanded in police custody. Room attendant Avinash Treebhoowoon, 29, and floor supervisor Sandip Moneea, 41, have been charged with murder, and room attendant Raj Theekoy, 33, with conspiracy to murder.

Michaela (pictured) will be buried from St Malachy's in Ballymacilroy, Co Tyrone, the church in which she married John McAreavey on 30 December.

A marquee for 300 people has been erected in the church grounds to cope with some of the overspill from the 400-capacity chapel.

Those expected to attend include: senior Gaelic Athletic Association officials, including president Christy Cooney and Ulster Secretary Danny Murphy, President of the Ulster rugby branch Nigel Hamilton and Irish Football Association President Jim Shaw.

Players from Mr Harte's Tyrone team and his home club, Errigal Ciaran, will form a guard of honour as Mrs McAreavey's coffin is taken from her home.

Pupils from the late Irish teacher's form class in St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon, and players from Mr McAreavey's Tullylish GAA club in County Down are to accompany the coffin into the church.

Mr McAreavey's uncle, Bishop John McAreavey, who married the couple will conduct the funeral mass.

Sean Brady, Primate of the Catholic Church in Ireland, will also take part in the service.

(BMcN)