Kathleen Chada, mother of boys Eoghan (10) and Ruairi (five) who were murdered by their father Sanjeev in July last year, was present at the inquest into their deaths in Castlebar.
Reading a short statement after the jury returned verdicts of unlawful killing, Mrs Chada said: “I would like to thank all the members of the gardaí here in Castlebar, Westport and Carlow who were involved in Eoghan and Ruairi’s case over the last 16 months. In particular Gary Walsh here and Declan Callan in Carlow.
“The care, respect and dignity I have been given has made a very difficult process just a little bit easier.”
Ms Chada also thanked Det Insp Tom Fitzmaurice of Swinford Garda station.
“I also thank Fr Fahy in Ballintubber and Fr Charlie McDonnell in Westport along with the many, many people of Mayo who have taken the boys into their hearts and given me support from afar.
“I also thank all the staff in Mayo General Hospital and particularly Sean and Martin in the morgue, who looked after my boys when I couldn’t be with them.”
Ms Chada said she understood the staff in the morgue had “left the light on” for her sons while they were there.
She added: “I want all those who arrived on the scene of the crash to know I think of them and pray for them often.
“Again, I know my boys were treated with dignity and respect in what must have been a very difficult time for them.
“I thank John O’Dwyer and the jury for their help and understanding in the lead-up to today.
“Finally I would like to thank my family, friends and wider community both in Carlow and much further afield, who have been there for me in so many ways.
“To say I have been held over the last 16 months would be an understatement.”