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Powys County Times
a day ago
- Powys County Times
Murder of mother and children has shaken community to its core, service told
The murder of a mother and her two children in Co Fermanagh has shaken the community 'to its core', mourners have heard. A service of removal has taken place in Maguiresbridge for Vanessa Whyte and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, ahead of their funeral in Co Clare on Saturday. 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. Last week, police said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry. Mourners gathered at St Mary's Church in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning, with several dressed in bright colours following a request from the family. Large crowds, including from local GAA clubs, lined the streets outside the church in advance of the service. 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. 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. '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.' He added: 'The loss of 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. 'Words fail us. And when words fail, we turn to the word of God.' The priest told the 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. '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. 'Please speak to someone. Speak to your parents, to your teachers, to your clergy.' Fr Donnelly told mourners that grief is 'not something to carry alone'. He added: '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. '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.' Candles were then lit in memory of the three victims. 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.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Church 'filled with grief' in service for mum and children killed in shooting
A service for a mum and her two children murdered in County Fermanagh last week has heard their lives were 'taken in an unspeakable way' that has shaken the country 'to its core' Crowds of mourners lined the streets of a Northern Irish village today as they tearfully bid farewell to a mum and her two children who died in an "unspeakable" tragedy that has shaken the community "to its core." Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, died in a firearms incident at a property in Drummeer Road, Maguiresbridge, on July 30. On Monday, a person suspected of shooting the family, Ian Rutledge, 43, had also died in what the police suspect was a triple murder suicide. The agricultural contractor is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family. Large crowds, including from local GAA clubs, lined the streets outside St Mary's Church on Wednesday morning for a Service of Removal ahead of their funeral in Co Clare on Saturday. Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, attended the service, along with former first minister Baroness Arlene Foster, Environment Minister Andrew Muir and Sinn Fein MP Pat Cullen. The three coffins arrived shortly after 11am and were brought to the front of the church as the hymn Abide By Me was sung. Father Raymond Donnelly, who led the service, said people had gathered in a church "filled with grief". The deaths of Vanessa, James and Sara left a "heaviness in the air" he added, before offering prayers, love and "presence" for the grieving families in a moving homily. Father Donnelly said: "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." 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.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mourners of murdered mum and children told 'it's ok to feel confused and angry'
The murder of a mother and her two children in Co Fermanagh has shaken the community 'to its core', mourners have heard. A service of removal has taken place in Maguiresbridge for Vanessa Whyte and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, ahead of their funeral in Co Clare on Saturday. 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. Last week, police said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry. Mourners gathered at St Mary's Church in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning, with several dressed in bright colours following a request from the family. Large crowds, including from local GAA clubs, lined the streets outside the church in advance of the service. 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. The three are to be buried in Ennis, Co. Clare, on Saturday. (Image: Jonathan Porter/PressEye) 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. (Image: PA) '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.' He added: 'The loss of 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. Words fail us. And when words fail, we turn to the word of God.' The priest told the 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. 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. Please speak to someone. Speak to your parents, to your teachers, to your clergy.' Fr Donnelly told mourners that grief is 'not something to carry alone'. He added: '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. '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.' Candles were then lit in memory of the three victims. 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. Get all the big crime and court stories direct to your phone on our new WhatsApp service. Sign up here.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Murder of mother and children has shaken community to its core, service told
The murder of a mother and her two children in Co Fermanagh has shaken the community 'to its core', mourners have heard. A service of removal has taken place in Maguiresbridge for Vanessa Whyte and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, ahead of their funeral in Co Clare on Saturday. 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. Last week, police said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry. Vanessa Whyte (centre) with Sara Rutledge and James Rutledge died following a shooting in Co Fermanagh (PSNI/PA) Mourners gathered at St Mary's Church in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning, with several dressed in bright colours following a request from the family. Large crowds, including from local GAA clubs, lined the streets outside the church in advance of the service. Among those who attended the service were Northern Ireland's first minister Michelle O'Neill, former first minister Arlene Foster, environment minister Andrew Muir and Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen. 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. (l to r) Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Aine Murphy MLA arriving for the service (Liam McBurney/PA) '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.' He added: 'The loss of 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. 'Words fail us. And when words fail, we turn to the word of God.' The order of service is held by a mourner (Liam McBurney/PA) The priest told the 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. '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. 'Please speak to someone. Speak to your parents, to your teachers, to your clergy.' Fr Donnelly told mourners that grief is 'not something to carry alone'. He added: 'It is a journey we make together. The coffins are taken into St Mary's Church in Maguiresbridge (Liam McBurney/PA) '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. '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.' Candles were then lit in memory of the three victims. 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.
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- South Wales Guardian
Murder of mother and children has shaken community to its core, service told
A service of removal has taken place in Maguiresbridge for Vanessa Whyte and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, ahead of their funeral in Co Clare on Saturday. 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. Last week, police said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry. Mourners gathered at St Mary's Church in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning, with several dressed in bright colours following a request from the family. Large crowds lined the streets outside the church in advance of the service. Among those who attended the service were Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill, former first minister Baroness Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein MP Pat Cullen. 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. '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.' He added: 'The loss of 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. 'Words fail us. And when words fail, we turn to the word of God.' The priest told the 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. '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. 'Please speak to someone. Speak to your parents, to your teachers, to your clergy.' Fr Donnelly told mourners that grief is 'not something to carry alone'. He added: '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. '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.' Candles were then lit in memory of the three victims. 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.
