Maguiresbridge victims “lives taken in such an unspeakable way” Priest tells mourners

“A woman full of kindness and warmth, a friend to so many here. And her children, so young, so vibrant, so full of promise.”

There was a “heaviness in the air” and a “silence within our hearts” in Co Fermanagh on Wednesday morning as a service was held for a mother and two children who were shot and killed in their family home.

Mourners gathered at St Mary’s Church in Maguiresbridge for a Service of Removal for Vanessa Whyte and her teenage children Sara and James.

They died last week after they were shot in their family home in the Maguiresbridge area. The shooting suspect, Ian Rutledge, died in hospital days later.

Read more: Mourners gather in Maguiresbridge as service held for mum and two children killed in shooting

Read more: Tears in Croke Park as murdered mother and her two children remembered at All-Ireland final

People lined the streets of Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning ahead of the service, with many people dressed in bright colours at the request of the family.

Father Raymond Donnelly, addressing mourners in a moving homily, said the Church is “filled with grief”.

Fr Donnelly continued: “There is a heaviness in the air – a silence within our hearts – that speaks volumes. The tragedy we have endured has shaken this community, and our country, to its core. We are left shocked, grieving, heartbroken, searching for meaning: grappling with questions too deep for words.

“The loss of a Vanessa and her two beautiful children, James and Sara – lives taken in such an unspeakable way – is more than any heart should bear. A woman full of kindness and warmth, a friend to so many here. And her children, so young, so vibrant, so full of promise. Their laughter rang through school corridors, through playing fields, especially on the GAA pitch, where they thrived with passion and joy. That zest for life, their infectious energy, their open smiles.”

He added: “Words fail us. And when words fail, we turn to the Word of God.”

Fr Donnelly also offered words of comfort for the grieving families, saying: “You are not alone. 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.

“To the classmates of Sara and James and to all the friends, know that it is okay to feel confused, angry, sad and to cry. Please speak to someone. Speak to your parents, to your teachers, to your clergy. Grief is not something to carry alone. It is a journey we make together.

“To all involved in sport – to coaches, teammates, mentors – thank you for the joy you helped nurture in these children. Their bright spirits will remain a part of every game played in their memory.

“And we take a moment to thank all first responders and medics. Thank you for your service under unimaginable circumstances.”

He added: “Thank you to all who have come forward with meals, hugs, tears, prayers, practical and pastoral support or a silent presence. You remind us that light still flickers, even on the darkest of days.

“In the end, we entrust Vanessa and her beloved children, James and Sarah to our loving God. We commend them into the arms of the One who welcomed children, who wept at the tomb of a friend, and who broke the power of death itself.

“May their souls rest in peace. And may we, though broken-hearted, find strength to live each day with the kind of love that never ends. Let us carry them in our hearts. Let us honour their memory not just in mourning, but in how we live. And may the Lord, who walks with us in sorrow, bring us, in time, to peace. Amen.”

Last week, police said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry.

On Saturday, the PSNI issued an appeal for information involving the movements of a vehicle.

They have asked anyone who saw a silver Mercedes saloon car being driven in the Clones Road area of Newtownbutler, or between Maguiresbridge and Newtownbutler, on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, to call detectives on 101.

On Monday night, the PSNI said Mr Rutledge had been in hospital in a serious condition and died that evening.

“Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward,” the police spokesperson said.

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