EDITORIAL: 'Twud really make you wonder about society

The tragedy which befell the Harte and McAreavey families following the murder of primary school teacher Michaela while on honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011 occasioned widespread grief and regret and a real sense of outrage that something like this could happen.

Here, a beautiful young lady who was known to many GAA followers for being by the side of her father, the current Louth and former Tyrone senior All-Ireland winning football Manager Mickey Harte, was cut down in her prime, right at the start of what should have been a new and exciting chapter in her life.

Anyone who knows Mickey Harte and his family, or who perhaps might have read his recently published book, will testify to the devout and prayerful man he is. He has accepted the fate dealt his family and has endeavoured to enshroud them with as much love and support as he could muster - without doubt the Holy Spirit has been working through him in this regard, he has said.

How hurtful and horrifying it must have been then, for the Harte and McAreavey families to come across the vile and despicable posts on social media mocking Michaela’s murder. What moronic mindset those who created and broadcast that video must have. They ought to be prosecuted for their grossly offensive message by way of a public communications network. Apologising hardly seems enough.

Kilkenny Manager Brian Cody who was booed on Sunday in Semple Stadium - a horrible act 

How low can you go? Well, it seems public decency is diminishing rapidly. The booing of freetakers at the Munster senior hurling final might seem small fry in comparison to what happened the Harte and McAreavey families, but it gives an indication of the mindset of the mob nonetheless.

And, when Brian Cody's image flashed up into the screen in Semple Stadium, he too was booed. How idiotic an act -the most successful ever GAA coach just sitting, enjoying a game and he gets booed. Yes, he is a winner; yes, he is a passionate Kilkenny man; yes, we would all love to have him in our county.

Seriously, people need to get a grip. And fast.