Family and friends bring candles and Chinese lanterns to a memorial held in Buncrana for Danielle McLaughlin

A memorial vigil reflected on the life of Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin last night.

Held at the Stone Jug Shore Front, friends brought candles and Chinese lanterns and listened to music and speeches from friends.

Local councillor Jack Murray was at the event and commended everyone involved in the event, which started at 7pm last night.

"Fair play to the organisers, speakers and all those who attended the beautiful vigil this evening in memory of Danielle McLaughlin," he aid.

This event followed one held on Sunday in Goa by Danielle’s friends who issued the following statement to a gathering of mourners and tribute payers to not only pay tribute Danielle but to call for legal justice.

“We can not even begin to comprehend what has happened to our amazing beautiful friend Danielle,” they said.

“It is horrific and such a tragic way to have departed this world. No one deserves the pain and suffering she endured. How anyone is capable of committing such a brutal act such as this to another human being is beyond our understanding.

“Danielle lived life to the fullest and was such a vibrant soul. She brought so much light, love and laughter with her wherever she went and to whomever she met along the way.”

Nicole Farren added: “On behalf of Danielle's family and her many friends all over the globe, Sheridan and I have come to Goa to take her home as quickly as possible,

“Because Danielle's voice has been silenced, we are here to represent her and make sure appropriate measures are taken and justice is served. We know that she would want us to speak up and fight for women all around the world.

“The amount of support that we have received from all over the world is so overwhelming.

“We cannot thank everyone enough, especially those who have helped give us all the courage to take this journey and who donated to Danielle's Go Fund page so we can get her home.

“We would also like to thank the local community who have been amazing we understand there have been cases of tourists who have been murdered in the past which were quickly solved by the police but after the trial these criminals had been aquitted, we sincerely hope that this will not be the case for our Danielle.”

The spokesperson added: “If anything, we hope that this will not only make India but also the rest of the world stand up and face the facts, that there is still so much injustice for women, that in some places we are second class citizens.

“Things need to change, Women need equal rights all over the world. They should be safe always and never have to live and die in fear.

“We will soon take Danielle home so that she can rest in peace and be surrounded by her immediate family, however she now has a huge extended family all around the world who I'm sure will also be celebrating her life.”