The murder of a mother and her two children in Co Fermanagh has shaken the community "to its core", mourners have heard at a deeply moving service of removal. Hundreds gathered at St Mary's Church in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning to pay their respects to Vanessa Whyte and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13.
The three family members died in a shooting incident at a property in Drummeer Road in the Co Fermanagh village a week ago. Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who died on Monday, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family.
Political leaders attend service
Police said last week that a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry. Among those who attended the service were Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill, former first minister Baroness Arlene Foster, Environment Minister Andrew Muir and Sinn Fein MP Pat Cullen.
Large crowds, including members from local GAA clubs, lined the streets outside the church in advance of the service. Several mourners dressed in bright colours following a request from the family.
Three coffins arrive together
Shortly after 11am the three coffins arrived and were brought to the front of the church as the hymn Abide By Me was sung. During the service, a reading was delivered by Elizabeth Armstrong, principal of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, where Sara and James were pupils.
In his homily, Father Raymond Donnelly said people had gathered in a church "filled with grief". He added: "There is a heaviness in the air, a silence within our hearts, that speaks volumes."
Community shaken to core
"The tragedy we have endured has shaken this community, and our country, to its core," Father Donnelly said. "We are left shocked, grieving, heartbroken, searching for meaning, grappling with questions too deep for words."
He described the loss as "more than any heart should bear". The priest spoke of Vanessa as "a woman full of kindness and warmth, a friend to so many here" and her children as "so young, so vibrant, so full of promise".
Children remembered for joy
"Their laughter rang through school corridors, through playing fields, especially on the GAA pitch, where they thrived with passion and joy," Father Donnelly said. "That zest for life, their infectious energy, their open smiles. Words fail us. And when words fail, we turn to the word of God."
The priest told grieving family members "you are not alone". He added: "We stand with you. We hold you in prayer and embrace. We do not have answers, but we offer presence. We offer prayer. We offer love."
Support urged for children
Father Donnelly urged the children's classmates to speak to someone about their feelings. "To the classmates of Sara and James and to all the friends, know that it is OK to feel confused, angry, sad and to cry," he said. "Please speak to someone. Speak to your parents, to your teachers, to your clergy."
The priest emphasised that grief is "not something to carry alone" but "a journey we make together". He thanked sports coaches, teammates and mentors for the joy they helped nurture in the children, saying their "bright spirits will remain a part of every game played in their memory".
Final journey begins
Father Donnelly also thanked first responders and medics for their service "under unimaginable circumstances". Candles were then lit in memory of the three victims before the service finished with the singing of the hymn Nearer My God to Thee as the coffins left the church.
The three wooden coffins were then carried side by side along the main road in the village as hundreds followed and many more lined the street. The bodies will be taken to Barefield in Co Clare, where Ms Whyte was originally from, ahead of their funeral Mass on Saturday. The three will then be buried together in Templemaley Cemetery.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
