After Mr Justice Barry White sentenced Joe O'Reilly to life imprisonment, prosecuting counsel Denis Vaughan Buckley SC said he understood Rose Callaly would like to address the court about the victim impact statement.
Mr Justice White said that in due course Mr O'Reilly is eligible to apply to the parole board. When the parole board discusses the matter he understands that victim impact statements are taken into account.
The judge said he appreciated the highly charged atmosphere in the court but he said he would hear Ms Callaly.
Ms Callaly walked to the witness box, passing Joe O'Reilly who was seated beside a prison officer. She then read her statement to the hushed court: "Almost three years ago Rachel kissed her beloved Luke and Adam goodbye and for the next 20 minutes was subjected to the most horrific, violent and barbaric attack that no human being should ever have to go through. We are haunted by the thoughts of what happened to our beautiful daughter and sister that morning . . . From that moment on, the lives of everyone who knew Rachel and loved her were thrown into turmoil. Even though justice has been done, our grief and distress will never diminish.
"Rachel was a truly beautiful, loving, caring and capable girl who has left so many memories and she meant so much to us - her aunts, uncles, cousins, niece and nephews and to many friends. . . Each one of us has been traumatised by feelings of helplessness, shock, grief and the horrific reality is that we can do nothing to bring her back.
"That is the hardest part of our pain. Not only did Rachel leave without saying goodbye, she also left her beloved sons Luke and Adam confused, scared and angry. We feel heartbroken as the biggest damage will surely be left at their door as they live their lives without the guidance and counselling of their best friend.
"Rachel was never away from their side and her harrowing loss has left a huge void in both the boys' lives and our lives.
"Every day we find it so very difficult to accept the devastation of her death. We struggle to come to terms with the fact that she is now gone forever. There are days when we feel overwhelmed by grief. Sleepless nights, nightmares and panic attacks have become the norm for us, we often waken traumatised with fear by the images of terror, violence and brutality and we wonder if we will ever return to some sense of a normal life.
"We lost Rachel at the young age of 30 years and we are devastated knowing we will never be able to share with her the enjoyment of all the milestones she was so looking forward to in her life and the possibility of one day sharing with her the enjoyment of seeing her own grandchildren. As a parent it is devastating to lose a child but under these circumstances at times it is unbearable.
"Rachel, if I could have given my life for you that awful day I would have . . . You are such a big part of our life. Thank you for the short lifetime which should have been so much longer and full of so many memories. We treasure the memories of shared times with you.
"We miss you and love you so much and not a day passes without you being remembered so lovingly.
"We hope that you can now rest in peace, my darling, your loving mam and dad, brothers, sister and sisters-in-law, Declan and Denise, Paul and Denise, Ann and Anthony, and your two sons Luke and Adam."