Mourners offer their condolences to family of murdered nurse

The Church of the Assumption in Booterstown, Co Dublin was filled to capacity yesterday evening for the removal of Sara Neligan, who was murdered last week.

Ms Neligan was found dead in her home at the Winter Garden apartment complex on Pearse St in Dublin's south inner city last Thursday.

More than 500 mourners stood in the aisles and around the walls of the small church and spilled out into the grounds as Ms Neligan's remains were led inside by parish priest Fr Seamus Conway.

Ms Neligan's father, retired consultant cardiac surgeon Dr Maurice Neligan, and mother, Dr Patricia Neligan, were consoled by relatives, including Ms Neligan's brothers and sisters, Maurice, John, David, Kate, Lisa and Lucy.

Among the mourners were Minister for Education Mary Hanafin and poet Brendan Keneally, as well as colleagues of both Ms Neligan and her parents.

These included Dr Michael Walsh, consultant cardiologist at St James's hospital, Dr Brian Maurer, consultant cardiologist at St Vincent's hospital, retired professor of microbiology at UCD Irene Hillery, and Dr Jim McShane, doctor to the Irish rugby team.

George Duffy, who co-founded the Blackrock Clinic with Dr Neligan, was also present, as was Dr Frank O'Driscoll, father of international rugby player Brian O'Driscoll.

Fr Conway told the mourners that Ms Neligan had been baptised at the Church of the Assumption and had touched many lives during her short lifetime. He said she had a love of children and described her as a dignified young woman, "a kind, caring and dedicated nurse" and an "excellent assistant in intensive care in the Mater".

Afterwards, mourners queued out into the grounds of the church to file past her coffin, adorned with a recent photograph, and offer their condolences to the Neligan family.

Ms Neligan's funeral will be held at 11.30am this morning followed by cremation.