She was my life, my best friend, my rock – John

EIMEAR NI BHRAONAIN

GRIEF-stricken John McAreavey paid a touching tribute to his "beautiful wife, best friend and rock".

He said Michaela had been a gift from God and he described his “total devastation” that she had been taken away from him.

“I love my wife very much,” were the simple words from the Down inter-county footballer.

“I can't describe in words how lost I feel as Michaela is not just the light of my life – she is my life. My beautiful wife, my best friend, my rock Michaela, has been taken from me and I still can't take it in.

“Our hopes, our dreams and our future together are gone. I love my wife, very, very much and my world revolved around her.”

PAIN

John McAreavey (26) married Tyrone manager Mickey Harte’s daughter, Michaela, just 10 days before her brutal murder.

He revealed how he shared his pain with his wife’s parents and her three brothers.

“I am heartbroken and like Mickey, Marian, Michaela's brothers and my family, I am totally devastated.”

He added: “I appreciate all the prayers and messages of support. I pray that God gives us the strength and faith that Michaela has to cope with our horrific loss. She is a gift from God and I now have an angel.

“Our families now need the time, privacy and space to make the necessary arrangements to take Michaela home.”