Gardaí investigating the murder of 19-year-old Cobh woman Sheola Keaney are poised to make an arrest after forensic results provided them with vital information on her killer, The Irish Times has learned.
Gardaí took samples from a number of people in the Cobh area and have been waiting to see if any match samples found on and near the dead girl's body.
Gardaí are expected to move shortly and arrest a suspect in connection with the death of the young woman, whose body was found on Sunday in the Newtown area of the town, after she had been strangled last Friday.
News of the imminent arrest came after Bishop of Cloyne Dr John Magee made an appeal at Ms Keaney's funeral Mass yesterday for her killer to give themselves up and be prepared to pay the debt they owe to society for taking the young woman's life.
Speaking before the final commendation at Ms Keaney's funeral at St Colman's Cathedral in Cobh yesterday afternoon, the bishop made a direct appeal to whoever killed the young woman to give themselves up and ask God's forgiveness.
"When the life of a young person so young and vibrant as Sheola is taken away in so horrific and painful circumstances, the whole of human society is shocked into silence, the silence of indignation and horror.
"Such an evil act calls for a response from society and from God.
"The response from society must entail the fullest collaboration with those entrusted with the law and order in our State so that the circumstances of this terrible crime be brought to light and the one responsible be brought to justice.
"May the one who has been responsible for this heinous crime of taking from Sheola what was most precious to her, her life, come forward and face up to the consequences involved, pay the debt to society that has been incurred and seek the forgiveness of the all-loving God."
Earlier, mourners heard local curate Fr John McCarthy tell how Ms Keaney's death had united the community in grief and how grateful her parents, Carol and Peter, her grandmother, Mary, and other family members were that so many people had come to mourn with them.
"They are also thankful for all the help and support of so many who came to help them when the alert went out that Sheola was missing.
"They know too of your initial shock and bewilderment when the word went out that Sheola was found on Sunday," said Fr McCarthy.
"As always at a time like this, as we try to take in the awful reality of her death, our thoughts wander back to the last time we saw Sheola, our last conversation with her or even our last text message to or from her," he said.
Fr McCarthy spoke of what a popular young woman Ms Keaney was and how it was clear from looking around the church and seeing the sadness, the effect that her death has had in Cobh and Clonmel, where she had lived for a time, and Rockwell where she went to school.
"Sheola was a beloved daughter, granddaughter and cousin, she had an enduring personality with a bomb site of a bedroom and a huge wardrobe.
"She was a huge hit among her many young friends gathered her today who knew her as 'Sheolz'.
"Of course she stood out, not only in height but in her outgoing, bubbly personality. Friends and family have regaled me with many stories over the last few days and I have seen many photos - usually Sheola is in a group, at the forefront with her winning smile.
"She was your normal, extroverted, slightly disorganised and, at times, giddy teenager.
"Above all, she was a very supportive friend to all and always had a funny phrase or witty personal remark to cheer them up. She will be sorely missed."
