Hundreds of mourners gathered in the County Clare village of Barefield on Saturday to pay their final respects to a murdered mother and her two children. The community came together for the funeral of veterinary surgeon Vanessa Whyte and her children James and Sara Rutledge.
The 45-year-old mother and her children, aged 14 and 13, died in a shooting incident at their family home in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, in July. Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who died on Monday, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family.
Police investigate triple murder
Police in Northern Ireland have said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry into the tragic deaths. The investigation continues following the incident that shocked both local communities.
Following a service of removal in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday, the funeral service took place for Ms Whyte and her children in Barefield, where she was originally from. The Church of the Immaculate Conception hosted the emotional ceremony.
Community shows support
Many mourners wore GAA jerseys and bright colours as requested by the family, creating a poignant display of community support. Crowds lined the main street to watch the three hearses pass by in a moving tribute to the victims.
The three family members are to be buried together in Templemaley Cemetery later on Saturday. The funeral marks the end of a tragic chapter that has deeply affected both the Fermanagh and Clare communities.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
