Body of mum, 45, who vanished from Irish beach washes up in Blackpool – as daughter mourns tragic loss
THE body of a missing mum who vanished from an Irish beach has tragically washed up in Blackpool.
A massive missing person appeal was launched after Bernadette Connolly, 45, disappeared in Dublin on January 7.
She was last seen on Donabate beach in the capital before her body washed up on a beach on the English coastline on February 4.
Bernadette's devastated daughter Jade, who desperately spearheaded the search from her mum, announced the news of the discovery this evening.
She revealed the news in a poignant statement on social media , which she says she wrote with a "heavy heart".
It read: "My family and I have received tragic news that a woman's body was recovered from a beach in Blackpool UK and it is confirmed to be my beloved mum Bernadette Connolly.
"We will always remember her smile, strong character and love. Mam and I have had 30 years together, for that I am grateful, and our memories will live forever.
"This experience has been incredibly difficult for us and we couldn't have done it alone.
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"From day one my family and I received so much unconditional and tireless support across the nation and worldwide, for which we can't express enough gratitude.
"As her daughter, I truly know I did all I could in my power to find her.
"We prayed for people to light a path to bring her home and we're so grateful to have her back and can now lay her to rest.
"This is a tragedy that no family should ever have to bare, we please ask you respect our privacy during this time of grieving."
Dozens of people paid tribute to Bernadette and sent condolences to Jade and her family in comments below the heartbreaking message.
Irish police confirmed on Thursday evening that her body had been recovered.
They said in a statement: "Following the recovery of a body on the coastline in Blackpool, UK on February 4, 2022 and confirmed DNA analysis from the UK police today Thursday 3rd March, 2022 the missing person appeal in respect of Bernadette Connolly, 45 years, has been stood down.
"An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and public for their assistance in this matter."
The 45-year-old mum was last seen when she was dropped off by a taxi at the car park of the Shoreline Hotel, Donabate.
Jade spent the last eight weeks tirelessly sharing updates, images and videos of her mum and the search for her on social media.
