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A SERVICE OF Removal has taken place in Co Fermanagh for Vanessa Whyte and her two children, James and Sara Rutledge, who were killed in a shooting incident last week.
The service, ahead of their funeral in Co Clare on Saturday, heard that the deaths have shaken the Fermanagh community and the country “to its core”.
On Wednesday, 23 July, Vanessa, 45, her son 14-year-old James and 13-year-old daughter Sara were killed at their home in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh.
Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who died on Monday, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family.
Last week, the PSNI said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry.
At 11am this morning, Father Raymond Donnelly presided over the Service of Removal in Saint Mary’s Church, Maguiresbridge.
Large crowds had lined the streets outside the church in advance of the service and some were dressed in bright colours following a request from the family.
During his homily, Fr Donnelly remarked that “there is a heaviness in the air – a silence within our hearts – that speaks volumes”.
He said the tragedy has “shaken this community, and our country, to its core”.
Fr Donnelly said Vanessa, a vet originally from Co Clare, was “full of kindness and warmth”, while her children James and Sara were “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.,” he added.
“That zest for life, their infectious energy, their open smiles.”
Addressing the grieving families, Fr Donnelly said: “You are not alone. We stand with you.
“We do not have answers, but we offer presence. We offer prayer. We offer love.”
Fr Donnelly then addressed the classmates and friends of James and Sara and said: “Know that it is okay to feel confused, angry, sad and to cry.
“Speak to your parents, to your teachers, to your clergy. Grief is not something to carry alone. It is a journey we make together.”
He also thanked all those involved in James and Sara’s sporting endeavours “for the joy you helped nurture in these children”.
“Their bright spirits will remain a part of every game played in their memory,” he added.
Fr Donnelly also asked those present to “take a moment to thank all first responders and medics” for their 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.
“Let us carry them in our hearts. Let us honour their memory not just in mourning, but in how we live.”
Vanessa and her two children will be buried together near her home town in Co Clare on Saturday.
Their funeral mass will be held in Barefield before they are buried together in Templemaley Cemetery.
Those attending the funeral have been asked to wear bright colours, and those wishing to donate money have been invited to send donations to Women’s Aid.
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