irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Friday, February 5, 2010, 15:04

Cawley's 'beautiful energy' remembered

Celine Cawley's sister Susanna, her father, James Cawley and brother Chris leave the Central Criminal Court today after the sentencing of Eamonn Lillis. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times

PAMELA NEWENHAM

Chris Cawley broke down in tears outside the Central Criminal Court in Dublin today as he paid tribute to his dead sister Celine.

Speaking to reporters outside the courts complex, Mr Cawley thanked the family's "wonderful friends and neighbours" for their emotional and practical help during what had been "a very distressing and difficult time".

He described his sister as “a dynamic, kind, successful, fun-loving, caring person”.

“She had a beautiful energy which lit up so many lives, the lives of family, friends, neighbours and colleague,” he said.

His voice cracking with emotion, he finished with the words “Celine, we love you”.

Ms Cawley's brother-in-law Andrew Coonan said the last 14 months had been a very difficult time for the family.

He thanked the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Courts Service and the gardaí for their “huge effort”.

"Without singling out necessarily anyone, it would be wrong not to mention the work of the Superintendent Galvin, Detective Angela Willis, Fionnuala Olohan and Detective Sergeant Gary Kelly”.