Mum and kids killed in Fermanagh shooting are 'together and finally safe', funeral hears
Veterinary surgeon Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, died in a shooting incident at their home in Maguiresbridge, Co 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. Vanessa, James and Sara were laid to rest on Saturday. Pic: Noel Sweeney/PA Wire
Police in Northern Ireland have said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry.
Following a service of removal in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday, a funeral service took place for Vanessa and her children in Barefield, where she was originally from.
Crowds travelled to attend the funeral at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday.
Many of the mourners wore GAA jerseys and bright colours as requested by the family as they lined the main street to watch the three hearses pass by.
Symbols were placed at each of the three victims' coffins by their family and friends to remember them for what they loved.
Cattle tags and a blue card were laid at veterinarian Vanessa's coffin to celebrate the 'unique and irreplaceable' life she led.
A hurley was placed at James' coffin as 'the pitch was his second home'. His spirit of 'loyalty, dependability and kindness' was what he carried with him on and off the pitch.
A toy cat was given as a tribute to Sara to demonstrate her love for animals and to represent how she was 'calm, quietly attentive and always there.'
Vanessa's sister, Regina, then read a heartbreaking and touching eulogy for all three of the victims.
Regina began: 'From an early age, Vanessa was destined to become a vet. As a child, Vanessa grew to love the land and more specifically, the animals that roamed it.
'She had a keen interest in the well-being of animals, which was highlighted by the purchase of a donkey with her newfound wealth from making her First Holy Communion…
'Vanessa was a witty, bright, kind and determined young lady. She would sit for hours nursing sick lambs, kittens and calves.' The three victims were huge GAA and animal lovers. Pic: Noel Sweeney/PA Wire
Regina told a story about how Vanessa left her job in a local shop at 15 because she saw the owner mistreating a bird.
She also explained her sister's love for the GAA led her to travel up to Dublin for the All-Ireland final in 1997 despite not having a ticket. This proved not to be an issue for Vanessa as she secured herself a ticket within 'an hour of reaching the capital.'
Vanessa also loved to return to her native Clare, and it was where she 'truly relaxed'.
Regina then moved on to the eulogies of Vanessa's 'world' – her children.
She said: 'From a young age, James was exposed to the GAA…
'Over the last number of days, the GAA community have acknowledged James as the kind, bright, determined young teenager we as a family know so well.
'His vibrance and divilment in training often resulted in extra laps and push-ups but ultimately deeper friendships.
'James' smile was infectious and his loyalty was strong.'
Recently, James was a part of the Fermanagh under-15 hurling team that narrowly lost the All-Ireland league final.
Regina added: 'Although word on the street is that James wore his Clare jersey coming and going from the dressing room.'
She recalled playing hurling with James in the local pitches and that he was never seen without his hurley or Gaelic football.
His family find comfort that James got to witness his beloved Clare hurling team win the All-Ireland last year.
Regina then told the church about 13-year-old Sara and her love for animals.
She said: 'Her dream was to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a veterinary surgeon.
'When Sara is mentioned, the immediate association is with her beloved cats – Rosie in particular – and their well-being became our responsibility in recent times.
'Sara will be delighted to know that their new home and family will love and take care of them, as did she.' The community has been shaken 'to its core'. Pic: Noel Sweeney/PA Wire
Sara played football and hurling just like her brother and although she was 'quiet and reserved', Sara had 'a smile that would light up a room'.
Regina described her as a 'normal, happy 13-year-old teenager whose friends attest to her kindness, warmth and passion for life'.
She also never left home without 'Bunny', a small toy dog.
Regina continued: 'Over the years, there were many searches for Bunny in many houses over the country. He was often found in the bottom of her schoolbag or the pocket of the car door.
'When you saw Sara, Bunny was in close proximity and he will remain with her on her final journey.'
Sara also learned a lot about the farm and always followed her mother and brother out to look after her herd.
Regina concluded: 'Vanessa, James and Sara were taken from this world in a cruel and vicious manner.
'There are no words available to express how this has impacted our family and their friends.
'We as a family have been robbed of both our relationship with our sister and the chance to see James and Sara grow up and they have been robbed of the remainder of their lives.
'It has taken us 11 days to be in a position where we can have Vanessa, James and Sara back in Clare.
'This was supposed to be a happy and joyous occasion, where Vanessa would see her new nephew and Sara and James would meet their baby cousin Harry Joe for the first time.
'Instead, we are in the position of choosing coffins, final burial places and funeral hymns.
'For us, as a family, the only comfort we have is that Vanessa, James and Sara are together and finally safe.
'Vanessa will have her children at either side of her forever, as they were when they were alive.'
Vanessa, James and Sara are to be buried together in Templemaley Cemetery.
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