A woman who was found dead near Westport in Co Mayo last week has been laid to rest in Co Cork.

The funeral of Valerie French-Kilroy took place at the Cathedral Church of Saint Fachtna in Rosscarbery on Thursday.

The body of the mother of three was found at her home last Friday. Her husband - 46-year-old James Kilroy - has been charged with her murder.

The chief mourners were Valerie's mother, Mrs Valerie French, brother David, sisters Suzette, Hilary and Veronica and their families - together with a wide family circle from Cork and further afield.

Several of Valerie's colleagues from the Health Service Executive (HSE) also travelled to Cork to join a large congregation of her friends, parishioners and the wider community.

During the Church of Ireland service, Valerie's brother David said: "Valerie's three young sons are almost unaware of the catastrophe that has unfolded around them.

"Their wellbeing and their future will be our priority just as it was Valerie's.

"We are here to celebrate Valerie's wonderful life not to remember the horrific circumstances of her violent death.

"The name Valerie means strong and valiant - as you all know Valerie was an immensely caring and loving person.

"It was her calling both at work and at home throughout her life."

Particular prayers were also said for Valerie's three young children.

In his sermon Dean Christopher Peters, who officiated at Valerie's wedding in the cathedral in 2008, remembered her ready smile and laugh.

He said: "She was someone at ease in and with herself happy to be a bit different and to do things differently.

"It is the precious memories of her life which must always define our memories of Valerie".

A note on the order of service encouraged people to send memories of and stories about Valerie c/o Dean Christopher Peters, Rosscarbery, so that these may be shared with her children in the future.

Valerie was laid to rest in a family grave in the adjoining churchyard.