Community remembers murdered vet

on 03/01/2013 00:00:00

Catherine Gowing, 37, from Clonlee, Clareen, Birr, Co Offaly, was last seen alive at a supermarket in Queensferry, north Wales on Friday, Oct 12, 2012. Her remains were returned to her family yesterday.



She had been living in New Brighton, Flintshire, north Wales, close to where she worked at a veterinary practice for around 18 months prior to her murder.



Colleagues raised the alarm when she failed to return to work on Oct 15. Her sister Emma and brother-in-law Shay travelled to Wales, where Emma made emotional appeals for her sister's return.



Their worst fears were realised on Oct 31 when human remains were discovered in a shallow pond at Sealand. Further remains were discovered on the banks of the River Dee at Higher Ferry, Chester, on Nov 2.



Shortly after Ms Gowing's disappearance, police arrested Clive Sharp, 46, from Bethesda, Gwynedd. He has been charged with murder and is due in court on Jan 7.



Ms Gowing's parents are highly respected in Co Offaly. Her mother Maureen is a retired primary school teacher and her father John worked the family farm.



Fine Gael TD and Clareen resident Marcella Corcoran-Kennedy said the murder had stunned the entire community but for any parent such a tragedy is "your worst nightmare". She expressed her hope the family could find some closure from the funeral.



Ms Gowing will be laid to rest in St Flannan's Cemetery after midday Mass at Kinnitty Church in Co Offaly today.