Northern Ireland

'There’s too much positivity, love and hope that won’t be overshadowed' says John McAreavey who vows not let the murder of Michaela define him

John McAreavey and his wife Tara with their newborn son James. Picture: John McAreavey/Twitter
John McAreavey and his wife Tara with their newborn son James. Picture: John McAreavey/Twitter John McAreavey and his wife Tara with their newborn son James. Picture: John McAreavey/Twitter

JOHN McAreavey has vowed not to let the murder of his first wife Michaela define him and has spoken about becoming a father for the first time during the pandemic.

In an in-depth interview in today’s Irish News, the 36-year-old former Down footballer reflects on the 10th anniversary of Michaela’s murder on honeymoon in Mauritius.

He says the pursuit of justice for Michaela (27) will remain a driving force in his life after two hotel workers charged with the murder of the daughter of former Tyrone manager Mickey Harte were found not guilty in 2012.

“It would scare me to think that I would stop doing something about what happened to Michaela. I'd take another day in court," he says.

"But I never feel like a victim. Now, I don’t wake up in the morning and say I’m going to be 'Mr Positivity' today but at the same time that awful tragedy should not be my life story.

"...There’s too much positivity, love and hope that won’t be overshadowed. Michaela lost her life. Am I to lose mine too?"

Mr McAreavey, who married Kildare native Tara Brennan in 2016, also talks about life with his wife and five-month-old baby James.

"I feel very, very blessed in life to have Tara. She is a very selfless person," he said.

"James is just the most beautiful wee person. It’s just a lovely, lovely time."