A cousin of President McAleese's husband was among the six people confirmed dead.
Brendan McAleese, 39, was a managing director of Central Laundries in Cookstown and was heading to Cork for a business meeting. The married father-of-two lived in Tanaghmore, near Antrim.
"I am especially conscious of the pain being experienced tonight by all of the bereaved, as one of the deceased was Brendan McAleese - my husband Martin's cousin," President McAleese said.
"His family have lost a fine and loving husband, father, son and brother and their awful grief is replicated in the lives of all those who lost their loved ones in today's crash.
"No words can ease their pain but I hope they draw some small comfort from knowing that our thoughts and prayers, both here and in homes throughout the country, are with them at this darkest hour."
President McAleese added: "To the survivors also, we send our heartfelt wishes for a quick and full recovery from the immense trauma they have experienced today.
"Their survival was greatly assisted by the prompt actions of the emergency personnel, both at Cork Airport and Cork University Hospital - whose vital and timely intervention today is to be highly commended."
A total of ten passengers and two crew were on board the Manx2 turbo prop aircraft, flight number NM 7100, travelling from Belfast. It crash landed just before 10am on Thursday in foggy conditions.
The identities of two other men killed in the plane crash have been released.
Omagh native Pat Cullinan was a partner in accountancy firm KPMG.
"Pat Cullinan was an extremely talented professional and a real gentleman," KPMG's managing partner, Terence O'Rourke, said.
"He was highly regarded by all of his colleagues and clients and his tragic and untimely death has come as a shock to everyone in the firm, especially to those in our Belfast office, and to all who knew Pat as an exceptional friend and colleague."
Belfast deputy harbour master Captain Michael Evans, who is originally from England, has also been confirmed dead. Capt Evans had a key role supervising shipping traffic in and out of Belfast port.
Harbour Master, Kevin Allen, said: "We're all devastated by the news of Michael's death.
"He was phenomenally committed to his job and to his colleagues, helping ensure that the Harbour stayed open to shipping every hour of every day. Michael was tremendous fun and unique to work with, and was well known and respected throughout the shipping industry.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Andrea, and family."
It is understood that two other victims were from the Republic of Ireland, while the third was from Spain. Among those are the two crew members.
Two people, one from Northern Ireland and one from the Republic, walked away from the crash with minor injuries. Four more were seriously injured and are being treated at Cork University Hospital.
Investigation
An Irish Aviation Authority spokeswoman said the plane had been trying to land in foggy conditions.
She added: "This was its third attempt to land."
The plane caught fire and debris was scattered onto the runway and over a wide area.
Cork Airport was closed for the day while Air Accident investigators work to establish the cause of the crash.
According to Jurgen Whyte - a senior inspector with the Air Accident Investigation Unit - air traffic control tapes, radar information, weather reports and the condition and operation of the aircraft, will all be examined.
Chairman of airline Manx2, Noel Hayes - who has arrived in Belfast - said: "This has been a terrible day and our thoughts are, first and foremost, with the families of those who lost their lives, and those who were injured.
"We need to establish what happened this morning, and we will continue to work with the authorities throughout their investigation.
"Members from my team have been in Cork to liaise with the relevant authorities."
He added: "Manx2.com has never experienced anything like this in our five-year history and the tragedy has been a terrible shock to us all.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, and we hope that the people who were injured make a full recovery.
"I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services in Cork, who were extremely quick and professional in their response. In addition we are very grateful for the support provided by Cork Airport & Belfast City Airport. We will continue to do everything we can to help those affected in any way by this tragedy."
Tributes
Tributes to those who lost their lives have been led by political leaders from north and south of the border.
"This is, I think, testimony to the unquestionable uncertainty of life - families that start out either to do a day's business or to enjoy some pleasure have been thrust into circumstances that they could not have imagined," Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson said.
This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts are with the families of the bereaved. My thoughts are also with the injured and I hope that they will make a full and speedy recovery.
Peter Robinson
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who revealed he had planned to travel on the flight before his circumstances changed, said: "I am shocked at this news and want to convey my condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in the plane crash. My thoughts are also with those who have been injured."
The Sinn Féin representative was due to campaign in the wider Cork area in support of his party, which is contesting the Republic's General Election.
He added: "This is a route I have travelled on a number of occasions. In fact, I am going to be in Munster tomorrow and I had contemplated travelling on this flight, but that changed due to other circumstances."
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said his thoughts were with all of those affected by the crash.
"I also want to commend the work of the various rescue crews and all of the emergency and support staff working to help those involved in the crash," he added.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Owen Paterson said: "This is a terrible tragedy.
"I offer my profound condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of those killed and injured. I have spoken to our Ambassador in Dublin, who is on his way to Cork and who will be working closely with the Irish authorities."
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Pat Convery, said that his thoughts and prayers are with those who were on board the flight and their families.
"On behalf of the citizens of Belfast I extend my heartfelt sympathy to those families bereaved by this tragedy," he said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them as well as those who are being treated for their injuries in hospital".
HELPLINE NUMBERS:
A casualty information bureau has been set up at the Cork Airport telephone number 00353 (0)21 432 8820.
A special phone line has been opened by the British Embassy in Dublin: 00353 1 205 3780