Support for John on anniversary

Today (Tuesday) is one year to the day since the 27-year-old bride was murdered during her honeymoon in Mauritius.

This Friday John will join his family alongside his in-laws in St Malachy’s Church in Ballymacilroy to remember and celebrate the schoolteacher’s life.

The Tullylish footballer paid tribute to his club and teammates for their treatment of him since the murder one year ago. Writing in the Down GAA yearbook, John said, “My own club, Tullylish, have been great in treating me exactly the same way as before the tragedy, with my team-mates insisting not to spare me from the ‘slagging banter’ at training and matches.”

It is expected a number of Tullylish-based family members, friends and neighbours - many of whom attended the couple’s wedding ceremony and reception in December 2010 - will attend the memoriam mass in honour of Michaela.

The murder trial date has yet to be fixed but it is understood John may return to Mauritius as a witness in the case against his wife’s alleged killers.

Inspector Ranjit Jokhoo, the detective who led the murder investigation, said police would like the widower to take part as a witness.

“He is a witness, although whether he needs to be physically present in the court by the DPP,” said Inspector Jokhoo. “The police would like him to give evidence - he would be a good witness.”

Raj Moothoosamy the Chairperson of Victim Support Mauritius said he expects the trial could last at least three months and could begin in the next two months.