EMMA Gowing said the world was a safer place following the sentencing of her sister’s killer.
In a speech outside Mold Crown Court, Emma said no other woman would be harmed by Sharp, who will serve a minimum of 37 years behind bars.
Speaking on behalf of her family, she said: “We thank the community of Flintshire, North Wales and our home community of Kinnitty, County Offaly and all who have been here with us in our darkest time.”
She added: “Truth is truth. The facts are the facts. Our humanity shines when we conduct ourselves with kindness, with compassion, with integrity and when we speak the truth.
“Catherine was brutally murdered. That is a fact. Catherine conducted her life with love, with kindness, with compassion, with integrity. That is the truth.
“The book of evidence painstakingly compiled by North Wales Police was based entirely on the facts.
“The sentence deliberated and levied by Justice Grifftith Williams means that today our world is a slightly safer place. No other woman will be harmed by the man who murdered my sister.
“Catherine was an exceptional woman. She was a wonderful daughter, sister and friend.
“In life she measured herself against the following quote by Albert Pine: ‘What we do for ourselves dies with us, what we do for others and the world is and remains immortal’.
“She was a beautiful light. She shone very brightly and enriched the lives of all she encountered, all God’s creatures. Her light is gone from our mortal world. It now shines elsewhere.”
Det Supt Mark Pierce of North Wales Police said: “Clive Sharp has been convicted of a cowardly, premeditated and devastating attack on Catherine – a person who had done him no wrong and had absolutely everything to live for.
“Sharp pleaded guilty not through remorse, but only when faced with overwhelming evidence gathered with the help of members of the public who came forward to speak to us.
“He now faces life imprisonment and I doubt a tear will be shed if he is never released.
“Emma, Shay (her husband) and other members of Catherine’s family have shown tremendous strength and dignity.”
A statement on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service said justice for Catherine Gowing’s family cannot undo the harm caused by her killer.
“Today’s sentencing recognises Clive Sharp’s responsibility for a most appalling, violent attack,” said Emmalyne Downing, crown advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Only Clive Sharp can truly know what motivated him to commit such a distressing and brutal act.
“What is beyond doubt is that the effects of his actions will continue to be felt by Catherine’s family and friends for years to come.
“Our thoughts are with them.”