THE boyfriend of a mum-of-two who was recovered from Sligo's Garavogue River has paid heartbreaking tribute.
Stephanie Sweeney fell into the water and vanished just days before Christmas in the early hours of December 22.
Major search operations took place over the Christmas period as rescue personnel, family, and friends combed the area in a bid to find the 25-year-old.
Grieving boyfriend Michael Corcoran previously told The Irish Sun that Stephanie - who was mum to two boys aged five and three - had been standing at a shop talking to a friend when she entered the water.
He said: "I was standing on the bridge, talking to one of the lads and waiting on a taxi.
Putin accused of surrounding himself with same 'actors' at series of events
"And she was standing at the shop talking to one of the girls.
"Then she was in the water. One of the girls screamed, 'Stephanie's in the water'.
"I ran across the bridge, and within two or three seconds, Stephanie was underwater. That was the last I seen of Stephanie."
A body was yesterday recovered in the hunt for Stephanie.
In an emotional message on social media, Michael thanked all those who helped in the search.
He said: "Thank you so much to everyone who help look Stephanie and the biggest thanks to Vincent Lang who made his mission to not stop until Stephanie was out of the water.
"We finally got Stephanie out of the water. Rest in peace beautiful."
He added: "Well done to River Moy Search And Rescue for all their help to get Stephanie."
And he revealed how he dropped a white rose - Stephanie's favourite flower - into the river at the spot where she was last seen, adding: "Rest in peace beautiful, my girl."
Michael - who had vowed to not stop searching until Stephanie was recovered - said his beloved girlfriend was a very positive person when he appealed for help with the search.
Edinburgh Hogmanay revellers stuck in queues for TWO HOURS in torrential rain
He said: "She was amazing, absolutely. She’s full of energy and a fantastic mother to her two boys."
Devastated family member Lauren Sweeney also paid a heartbreaking tribute to Stephanie.
She said: "I can't believe it, after 18 days, you were found.
"We searched morning, noon and night for you with no stopping.
"It didn't feel real. We knew you were gone, but we were hoping for some sort of miracle, but now we know you're in heaven.
"My heart breaks, Stephanie. I can't believe it.
"Fly High, Baby Girl. I hope you found your peace. I'll love you always."
An Garda Siochana, the Defence Forces, Sligo Bay RNLI, the Rescue 118 Coastguard helicopter crew, River Moy Search and Rescue, Boyne River Rescue, Wexford K-9 Search and Rescue and Rockcorry Divers conducted the search operation.
TRIBUTES PAID
River Moy Search And Rescue sent their condolences to Stephanie's family and friends after the body was recovered in the Sligo Bay area yesterday afternoon.
Hundreds of people have also paid tribute to Stephanie on social media.
One person said: "Rest in perfect peace Stephanie. I'm grateful god gave you back to your family so they can finally lay you to rest.
"Condolences to all Stephanie's family and friends, god bless you all."
Another wrote: "Rest in peace Stephanie.
"God may give you a lovely bed in heaven."
While a third said: "Very sad news to hear beautiful young girl RIP Stephanie."