A heartbroken husband has thanked the community for their help after his missing wife's body was found following a lengthy search.
Betty Nolan had been missing from her Carlow home since Saturday with a large operation launched by the community to find the 60-year-old native.
Betty left her home on foot and was last seen on Saturday just after 3pm heading towards the village of Rathoe but tragically, her body was found on Sunday near a river.
Gardai, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter and dozens of local volunteers were involved in the search which was stood down on Sunday evening when the discovery was made.
Betty's family said they were extremely grateful for the county-wide help they had received, thanking the various teams of emergency services, sporting groups, family and friends that had searched tirelessly for her.
Tullow Rugby RFC - who Betty's husband Noel is club chairman of - offered their thanks of support on behalf of the Nolan family.
They said: "Following the unspeakable tragedy of the passing of club stalwart Betty Nolan, her husband and Club Chairman, Noel, has asked me to pass on the family's appreciation of the outpouring of support and participation in today's search by so many of members of Tullow RFC.
"Of course, it was entirely to be expected given how close Noel, Betty and family are to all of our hearts and their enormous contribution to our club.
"Many thanks to Tullow Fire Service, Carlow Civil Defense, Alan O'Reilly, Rescue 117, those who provided food and refreshments and our friends in The Fighting Cocks and Carlow Rugby Club."
A Garda spokesman confirmed the discovery and told Dublin Live: "Following the discovery of a body on Sunday 28th February, the search for missing person Betty Nolan has been stood down.
"We would like to thank the media and public for their assistance in this matter."
