“She lived her best life, that’s what we want to remember in all this sadness,” the mother of murdered Natalie McNally

Violence against women and girls is a scourge of society, murder victim Natalie McNally’s brother said at a rally to commemorate her.

More than 1,000 people attended the vigil at Lurgan Park in Co Armagh which also called for an end to all violence against women and girls.

Ms McNally, 32, was 15 weeks pregnant when she was fatally stabbed at her home in Silverwood Green in the city on December 18.

Despite multiple police appeals and multiple arrests, no one has yet been charged in her death.

Police have so far conducted hundreds of house-to-house searches and seized more than 4,000 hours of video surveillance footage.

The rally was organized by the National Women’s Council (NWC) and was attended by Natalie’s parents, Noel and Bernie, and her brothers, Brendan, Niall and Declan.

A number of politicians were in attendance, including Sinn Féin’s Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill.

Many in attendance carried placards that read: “Justice for Natalie” and: “She was only at home,” while some wore pink or blue items of clothing in memory of the mother-to-be.

Ms McNally’s parents said they are confident the rally will sting the conscience of anyone with information about their daughter’s murder.

Bernie McNally said: “We want Natalie’s memory to continue and be remembered, and to all the women who have died.

“She lived her best life, that’s what we want to remember in all this sorrow and sadness.”

Noel McNally said: “It’s very frustrating but we know the police are doing everything.

“They throw away everything they have. We have full confidence that they will catch this person.”

Natalie’s brother Brendan told the rally his sister is an inspiration to other women.

“Natalie was a remarkable person. From the age of three she lived with type 1 diabetes.

“However, it remains a testament to her character that she was never held back in what she wanted to achieve in life,” he said.

“She was thrilled to be a first-time mother. For any young person living with diabetes in Northern Ireland, Natalie is an ideal inspiration.”

He added: “Violence against women and girls is one of the great scourges of our society.

“This is not a basis for a common future.

“It is high time we recognized that we cannot rest until the ongoing abuse of women finally stops.”

Another brother, Declan McNally, then presented a video montage showing excerpts from Ms NcNally’s life.

He said: “This video is a montage of memories of Natalie and was put together by Natalie’s loving partner.

“Please keep Natalie’s partner in your thoughts and prayers.

“This is how we want Natalie to be remembered: a beautiful, fun-loving person.”

Rachel Coyle, director of campaigns and mobilization at the National Women’s Council, said the rally was an opportunity for society to stand shoulder to shoulder with the McNally family.

She said: “We are in awe of their determination to seek justice.

“Moreover, Natalie is the 16th woman to be murdered in similar circumstances in the last year.

“That’s why we’re here, to continue working to end violence against women.

“I live here in Lurgan. Women are afraid that this person has not been caught. This is a reality for women.”

The rally came as police renewed their appeal to find Ms McNally’s killer.

Lead Investigator Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: “We continue to investigate the horrific murder of Natalie, who was 15 weeks pregnant.

“We are committed to finding answers for Natalie’s heartbroken family.

“It is shocking that the mother-to-be was brutally murdered in her own home, which should have been a place of safety for her.

“I want to pay tribute to the continued steadfastness of Natalie’s family and thank them for all they are doing to assist our investigation.

“The death of Natalie and her unborn baby has caused them unimaginable grief.

“Not only are they trying to process the death of their only daughter and sister, they are also grieving for Natalie’s little boy, who they named Dean.

“Natalie’s killer has kept them all from meeting Dean and watching him grow up as part of their loving family.

“I would also like to thank the community of Lurgan and beyond for their support and for all the information that people have brought to the police force. Please continue.”