The family of murdered Belfast man John George has thanked the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for helping bring the father-of-two’s remains back to Ireland.
Mr George’s remains were flown into Dublin from Spain on Thursday night, where they were collected by undertakers from O’Neill’s Funeral Directors, to be driven across the border.
He was shot and his body was left in a rural area in the Alicante region in and around December 14.
Spanish police recovered his remains following a high-profile campaign by the family, who flew to Spain to help with the search.
Mr George will be laid to rest next Friday following Requiem Mass at St Luke’s Church in Twinbrook.
The return of his body brings to an end the month-long campaign by Billy and Sharon George to bring their son home.
The family also asked that instead of flowers that donations be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, a charity which helps bring the bodies of those who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland.
The charity was founded out of a family tragedy in June 2013, when Kevin Bell died suddenly in New York.
Courtney George said: “Without this amazing charity we would never be able to get John home to where he belongs.”
A funeral notice described John as the devoted father of Jason and Jacob, beloved brother of Darren, Courtney and Caitlyn, and cherished partner of Danielle.
“John will be missed by his heartbroken sons, parents, brother, sisters, partner and all those who knew and loved him,” it adds.
Books of condolence are open in both of O’Neill Funeral Directors’ premises on the Stewartstown and Falls roads in Belfast.
Spanish police continue to investigate the murder of Mr George.
A 32-year-old man from the Czech Republic has been arrested and was later released on bail pending further investigation.
Spanish authorities are also looking for a second suspect who may have fled the area following the murder.
Mr George last spoke to his family on December 14.
They were later informed by people in Spain that he had lost his phone but was booked onto a flight from Alicante to Belfast on December 18.
When he never boarded the flight his loved ones became concerned.
The Belfast Telegraph revealed earlier this week that the return flight was apparently booked after he was murdered, with this now forming part of the investigation.
Mr George’s remains were discovered in a rural area close to Rojales, 45 minutes south of Alicante, last week.
Interpol is also assisting the Spanish authorities with the murder probe.