The body of Tara Whelan, killed in an explosion in the resort of Kusadasi, Turkey on Saturday, was returned yesterday to her family home in Co Waterford, where it will remain until her funeral tomorrow afternoon.
The release of the teenager's remains had been delayed by the need for a postmortem, which was carried out earlier at Cork University Hospital. The body was then taken under Garda escort to the Whelan residence, near the village of Kilmeaden, where Ballyduff parish priest Fr Michael O'Byrne led prayers.
An adjoining field was opened to provide parking for the mourners who called to the house during the evening.
Fr O'Byrne said the family were still "very, very traumatised" at Tara's death, "but they're glad that at least the remains are home".
Among those helping them come to terms with the tragedy were the family of the 23-year-old local man who died in a car accident last week, he said. Tara's parents had helped with his funeral arrangements on Friday, the day before their daughter died in the bomb attack in Turkey.
Meanwhile, preparations were under way for tomorrow's funeral Mass, the attendance at which is expected to include representatives of the President, the Taoiseach, and the Turkish embassy.
With a capacity of less than 200, St Nicholas's Church is unlikely to be able to accommodate all those attending. But a public address system has been fitted to relay the Mass to those unable to get inside, and in case of rain, the nearby national school will be used. Ballyduff village will be closed to traffic for the funeral, with temporary car parks provided on all three approach roads.
Fr O'Byrne - who will be chief celebrant - asked the media, especially TV cameras, to keep a "respectful distance". A camera crew would be admitted to the church and journalists would be facilitated. "But we would hope they won't intrude in any way on the family's grief," he said.
The final results of the postmortem are not expected for several weeks.