Heartbreaking scenes at vigil for mum & kids shot dead at Fermanagh home as village ‘stand together in face of grief'

The Irish Sun

6 days ago

THERE were emotional scenes as crowds turned out for a community vigil in memory of a woman and her two children who died following a shooting in Co Fermanagh.
Clare woman Vanessa, 45, and her two kids James Rutledge, 14, and 13-year-old Sara Rutledge were killed in their Co
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A vigil was held for shooting victims Vanessa and her children James and Sara
Credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
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It was held at Maguiresbridge Primary School, in Co Fermanagh
Credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
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Tributes poured in for the family as hundreds gathered at the vigil
Credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
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Vanessa Whyte died alongside her teenage children Sarah and James
Credit: Pacemaker Press
A man - who is a member of the same household - remains in a serious condition in hospital.
A vigil was held in the
Hundreds of locals gathered and comforted one another.
Prayers were offered for the emergency services who had responded to the harrowing scene and two minutes silence were observed for the beloved family.
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Flowers, teddy bears and an Arsenal
A book of condolence has been opened at Maguiresbridge Primary School, which James and Sara attended, ahead of the vigil this evening.
The Village Rural Development Association said they want to provide an opportunity for people to come together and support each other.
In a statement on social media they said: "The Village Rural Development Association feel it is important that our close-knit community have an opportunity come together and support each other at this difficult time.
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"The governors of Maguiresbridge Primary School (which James and Sara attended) have kindly agreed to allow us the use of their facilities over the coming days.
"Everyone welcome. This is an opportunity for our village to stand together in the face of such grief."
The Irish Sun has also learned a special prayer service will be held for the murdered mum and her two children in Co
The memorial will be held at Barefield Church, Co Clare, as her brother Ivor returns from Australia to Ireland later tomorrow.
Popular mum Vanessa along with her children James and Sara, were found with gunshot wounds at their home in Drummeer Road, Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, after 8am on Wednesday morning.
Two of the family members were found
Another man who was found with gunshot wounds remains in a serious condition at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
Investigators from the PSNI are still waiting to receive permission from doctors to interview the man.
INVESTIGATION
At present, the PSNI are treating the tragedy as a suspected triple homicide and attempted suicide.
They have yet to establish a motive for the triple shooting.
We also understand a post mortem on the devoted mother and her children is expected to be held next week.
Once completed, the mother and her two children will be laid to rest together in Barefield.
Fr Tom Fitzpatrick, from the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, told how tomorrow's prayer service in Co Clare had been organised to show support for the Whyte family.
Fr Fitzpatrick said: 'I was with the family yesterday and there really are no words that can provide them with any comfort at this devastating time.
'They have received comfort from the love that has been shown to them over these last few days.
'They are a family that is absolutely loved in this community and the prayer service is a way for the community to show solidarity to them.
'It's a waiting game at the moment in terms of the funeral but we hope to have some news next week.
'The tragedy is impossible to comprehend and all we can do now is be there for the family.'
The local priest added: 'Vanessa's brother Ivor has had to make the long journey back to Ireland to be with his family and this won't have been easy.
'I know that when he returns to Ireland he will be given the support from the local community.
'In Vanessa's capacity as a vet in the north, she worked with many different people over the years and travelled to a lot of different counties.
'I know that she had a strong circle of friends from Clare, from college, from Fermanagh and from her job and, along with her children, she will be sorely missed.
'Her mother Mary is a wonderful woman and a stalwart in the local community and they all remain in our prayers.'
'A TRIO'
As the people of Fermanagh and Barefield continue to struggle with their loss, St Mary's Ladies Gaelic Football Club in Maguiresbridge paid tribute to the trio.
The club described them as being a 'trio that was always by each other's side'.
A spokesperson said: 'This tragedy has left the entire club community heartbroken.
'Sara was a truly special member of the club who was quiet yet full of life, exceptionally well manners and always dedicated.
'While committed and determined on the field, Sara carried herself with gentle grace off it.
'Her journey with us included many successful and cherished memories including that special underage trip to Croke Park in 2022.'
They also said James was a 'loving big brother whose dedication to the club matched his sister's own.'
And the club paid tribute to the murdered mum, adding: 'Always the biggest supporter on the sidelines, he'd only miss her games when hurling called - a passion that ran deep through their household.
'Vanessa was more than just a parent on the sideline and became everyone's friend.
'Her enthusiasm for the game matched only by the immense pride she took in her children.
'The ultimate organiser who kept everything running smoothly, she brought joy and laughter with her witty banner comments and fascinating veterinary stories.'
POLICE APPEAL
The PSNI have also asked anyone who may have spoken to the three victims in recent days about any concerns they had to come forward.
PSNI Det Chief Insp Neil McGuinness urged anyone with information to come forward.
The senior officer said: 'Our thoughts remains with those loved ones whose worlds have been torn apart.
'Our investigation is continuing and I am keen to reiterate our appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.
'I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who had spoken to Vanessa, Sara or James over the last few weeks.'
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A book of condolence has been opened at Maguiresbridge Primary School
Credit: COLLECT