A prayer service was held in Barefield, County Clare, to honor the lives of a mother and her two children who died in a devastating incident earlier this week.
Vanessa Whyte, 45, originally from Barefield, along with her children Sara, 13, and James, 14, were fatally shot at their home in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh. The tragedy has left the tight-knit community in shock and grief.
The service took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, where mourners gathered to pay their respects. Three candles were lit in memory of the victims, symbolizing the light they brought into the lives of those who knew them.
Local priest Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick described the overwhelming sorrow felt by the community, saying, “A cloud has descended over us all.” He remembered Vanessa as a woman who “gave endlessly” and spoke of Sara and James as vibrant young people with bright futures tragically cut short.
Vanessa’s mother and siblings, unable to attend due to the overwhelming pain, followed the service online. Fr. Fitzpatrick extended a special welcome to those who traveled from Fermanagh to show their support.
The mayor of Ennis, Mary Howard, attended the service and expressed the collective heartbreak, stating, “This is every family’s worst nightmare.”
Vanessa, a dedicated veterinary surgeon, worked with Stormont’s Department of Agriculture, while her children were active in local sports, attending Enniskillen Royal Grammar School and participating in Gaelic games and cricket.
A book of condolences has been opened at Maguiresbridge Primary School, where the siblings once studied. Tributes have poured in, including a poignant display at Croke Park during the All-Ireland final.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with early indications pointing to a suspected murder-suicide. A man from the same household remains hospitalized with serious injuries. No arrests have been made.
The tragedy has left an indelible mark on both communities in Clare and Fermanagh, as they come together to mourn an unimaginable loss.
