Irish sport is in mourning tonight after the daughter of one of the most successful Gaelic football managers died suddenly while on her honeymoon in Mauritius.
Michaela Harte was found dead by her new husband John today on the holiday island in the Indian Ocean. She is the daughter of Micky Harte, the triple All-Ireland winning manager of the Co.Tyrone Gaelic football team.
A statement from the hotel where her body was found tonight confirmed that there was now a police investigation into the death.
In a joint statement issued tonight, her father and the Catholic Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey confirmed her death.
"We wish to confirm that we have received confirmation this afternoon that Michaela, married on December 30 2010 to John McAreavey, was killed today in Mauritius where the couple were on honeymoon.
"We ask for prayers for Michaela, John and their families and loved ones. Both families are deeply shocked and devastated by this tragic news and they ask for privacy and space at this time of profound grief," they said.
Michaela Harte was in Mauritius with her new husband the Co.Down Gaelic footballer John McAreavey, who is the bishop's nephew.
There were unconfirmed reports tonight that the bride, who taught Irish at St Patrick's Girls Academy in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, had been swimming in her hotel pool before she died.
The hotel where the honeymooning couple were staying tonight issued a statement. Legends Hotel said: "The management of Legends Hotel is shocked and very sad further to the death of a guest, Michaela Harte."
"The couple, who had only arrived on
the island last Saturday, had been due to stay until next Sunday. The dead body of the guest was discovered by her partner and once alerted, the hotel called the authorities," the hotel said.
"Legends wishes to reassure its guests and the public in general that it is co-operating in the best way it can with the police. The management and staff send its sincere condolences to the families who are grieving the loss of Michaela Harte."
Close friends of the Harte family said tonight that the Tyrone manager and his wife Marian worshipped their daughter.
Local journalist Adrian Logan, a former sports presenter with Ulster Television, said: "Mickey adored her. He was totally devoted. He just thought the world of her. He told me: 'She's my little jewel'."
Michaela was at her father's side all three times his team won the all-Ireland championship at Croke Park, Dublin, in 2003, 2005 and 2008.
Logan added: "He refused to do any post-match interviews after those games until she stood beside him. That's how much she meant to him. She was his number one fan."
Northern Ireland's deputy first minister Martin McGuinness said he was shocked to learn of her death.
"Just a matter of days ago it was a joyous occasion when Michaela married John and no doubt they planned a long and happy life together," he said.
He added: "They had so much to live for but now their hopes have been cruelly dashed by the tragic death of Michaela.
"Michaela was always close to her father's side during many great days for Tyrone football. Her enthusiasm for her native county, for which she was an excellent ambassador, knew no bounds.
"My thoughts and prayers are with her husband John, father Mickey, mother Marian and the entire Harte and McAreavey families at this difficult time."
Guardian Newspaper
