The funeral service is underway of murdered Cork woman Karen Buckley.

St Michael's Church in her home parish of Annaleentha is packed to capacity, as friends and neighbours turn out to show their support to her grieving family.

The Aide de Camp of the Taoiseach, Kieran Carey, is there as well as three officers from Police Scotland.

Gifts representing Karen’s life include a photo of her first day at school, her nurses’ uniform, and a favourite outfit worn to a wedding.

A guard of honour outside the church last night | Image: Juliette Gash

Staff and students at Glasgow Caledonian University, where Karen was a graduate student, are also attending the church - which is a short distance from the Buckley family farm.

Ms Buckley (24) was murdered after becoming separated from her friends on a night out in Glasgow where she was studying.

The burial is taking place afterwards at St John's Cemetery in Burnfort.

Fr Joe O'Keefe, parish priest of Mourneabbey, is the chief celebrant for the mass, which is also being concelebrated by 19 other priests.

Fr O'Keefe told mourners that its a difficult time for Karen's wider family.

Mass-goers spoke of their deep shock earlier.