The mother of Danielle McLaughlin, who was raped and murdered in India in 2017, has said that although she now has justice for her daughter, it will not bring her back.
Vikat Bhagat was found guilty at the District and Sessions Court in south Goa, India, of her rape and murder.
"I've got justice but it’ll never bring back my daughter," said Andrea Brannigan, speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime.
Ms Brannigan said that she last time she spoke to her daughter was the day she passed away.
"The day she passed away, she said, 'I'm with my friend’ and the friend was the person that killed my daughter.
"She named him...she arrived here on the Sunday, 12 March. On the 13th, she wasn’t very happy with where she stayed on the 12th, so she was up in her other accommodation.
"She contacted the man who killed her and asked him for help to find somewhere to stay, and the rest, people know."
Read more: Man guilty of rape and murder of Danielle McLaughlin in India
Ms Brannigan and her daughter, Joleen Brannigan McLaughlin, travelled to India with Danielle's friend Louise, and will return home on Monday after Bhagat is sentenced.
Danielle's sister Joleen said that it was a "surreal" experience.
"We didn't realise how close we would be to him. We were worrying that it was going to be not guilty, and we were prepared for the worst.
"To actually hear 'guilty’ was such a relief, and we can actually start the grieving process now.
"We were constantly having to fight for Danielle, so we felt that we couldn't grieve or show emotion.
"We had to be strong for Danielle, so at least we can now finally grieve for her."
Danielle's mother Andrea thanked the Indian police and Public Prosecutor for all they have done.
"We've seen what the Public Prosecutor and the police investigators have done, it’s astounding the work that they’ve done.
"They’ve showed us some of the files, they’ve just been so kind to us," she said.
'We can now start grieving her immeasurable loss'
Speaking outside the District and Sessions Court in south Goa, where Vikat Bhagat was found guilty, Danielle's sister Joleen McLaughlin Brannigan spoke on behalf of the family.
"We as Danielle's family and friends are so thankful to both embassies, public prosecutors, lawyers and investigating officers involved in our fight for justice.
"They have treated her like their daughter and have tirelessly fought for her.
"We are so thankful that their hard work has paid off and that Bhagat has been found guilty of taking Danielle from us.
"We have lost nearly eight years of our lives fighting for Danielle, and we are so thankful that we can now start grieving her immeasurable loss.
"She made the most of her 28 years and lived every day to the fullest.
"She was so kind and always so happy.
"She didn’t deserve what he put her through.
"We are so grateful to have been able to be here for the verdict, and to see Goa that Danielle loved so much."
Case brought to court on more than 250 occasions
Approaching eight years since Ms McLaughlin's death, the wheels of the Indian justice system turned slowly.
The case was brought to court on more than 250 occasions with several lengthy delays.
Hearings sometimes lasted only 30 minutes on any given day, and on more than one occasion they were adjourned due to the unavailability of the suspect.
Ms McLaughlin held British and Irish passports. Diplomats from both nations met officials in Goa on several occasions to discuss her case.
Read more:
A Donegal family's long wait for Indian justice
Donegal family concerned at delays in Indian murder trial
Mother pays tribute to daughter found murdered in India
She was buried in Buncrana, after her body was brought home to Donegal, with the help of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
Ms McLaughlin's mother Andrea previously told RTÉ News that the delays have been very tough for her family.
"When the case is delayed, it's stopping me grieving and it’s stopping Danielle's sister and her friends all grieving. I want that all to end so we can get peace."
