A couple who were victims of an armed raid on their home have thanked the people of Ireland for their support.

Seven men involved in the raid on the home in Co Tipperary have been handed down jail terms ranging from 12 to 20 years.

Clonmel Circuit heard that the crime was at the highest level of gravity for this type of offence.

The men - all with addresses in Dublin - had pleaded guilty to one charge of aggravated burglary at the home of Mark and Emma Corcoran and their three young daughters at Burnchurch near Killenaule almost two years ago.

22-year-old Dean Byrne of Cabra Park and 27-year-old Patrick Gately of Primrose Grove, Darndale got the most severe sentences - 20 years with four years suspended.

John Joyce (20) of Lentisk Lawn, Donaghmede has been sentenced to 15 years with four suspended.

22-year-old Patrick Joyce of Beaumont Hall, Beaumont Woods was sentenced to 14 years by Judge Tom Teehan with four suspended

While 20-year-old Thomas Flynn of Moatview Avenue, Coolock was given a 12 year jail term with three suspended.

And 23-year-old Michael McDonagh of Tara Lawns, Coolock and 22-year-old Donal O'Hara from Glin Park in Coolock were both handed 12 years with seven suspended.

Judge Teehan said crime had shocked the nation, that it had a highly planned nature and that the level of violence was terrifying.

Kieran Cleary is solicitor for Mark and Emma Corcoran.

He spoke after the sentence was handed down at Clonmel Circuit Court today.

Detective Sergeant James White of Thurles garda station was one of the lead investigators in the case,and he spoke to TippFM.

Reporter Conor Kane was at the courthouse for the sentencing hearing. He spoke to Newstalk.com's Lunchtime programme.