Danielle McLaughlin’s murder on Deobag beach has stunned the community of her hometown in Island Buncarna in Donegal County Ireland.
Local councillor Rena Donaghey (FF) said, “The whole community and the town of Buncarna is in deep shock today. Everyone is very saddened by the news. She was a lovely young woman who has come to a very sad end. She was very popular and liked in the community. On behalf of the community, I would like to offer sympathy and condolences. I hope God will give the family strength at this tragic time to help them through the weeks and months ahead.”
The popular woman grew up in Buncarna, attending the local Scoil Mhuire secondary school. She studied at university in Liverpool and reports say she held a British passport.
Buncarna parish priest Francis Bradley said, “Nothing has been confirmed by any authority. There is a family that I am looking after at this time and they don’t wish to speak.”
He added, “The family needs privacy. They have suffered a lot of loss but with God’s help they will cope. They are a family who has known the sorrow and grief of loss.”
McLaughlin recently wrote on Facebook that she was travelling to India. “Thank you to all my friends and family for making home so special and always looking after me. I am very grateful and the luckiest person I know…Off on another adventure…”
A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs told Independent, “The Irish embassy in Delhi is in contact with the Indian authorities in relation to reports of an incident involving an Irish citizen. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stands ready to provide consular assistance.”
