Death of mum and children in Fermanagh has shaken community 'to its core'
The shooting of a mother and her two children in Co Fermanagh has shaken the community ‘to its core’, mourners have heard.
Vanessa Whyte, 45, a vet originally from Co Clare, her son James, 14, and daughter Sara, 13, died following the incident at Drummeer Road in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday, July 23.
A service of removal took place in Maguiresbridge for Ms Whyte and her children ahead of their funeral in Co Clare on Saturday.
Vanessa Whyte (centre) with Sara Rutledge and James Rutledge. Pic: PSNI/PA Wire
43-year-old Ian Rutledge, suspected of shooting his wife and children before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide, died in the hospital on Monday.
The agricultural contractor had been in the hospital in a critical condition for several days. It’s understood he was the only suspect in the shooting of his family.
People, including those from two local GAA clubs, lined each side of the street to pay their respects as the coffins arrived at the church on Wednesday morning.
The coffins of murder victims Vanessa Whyte and her children Sara and James Rutledge have arrived at St Mary’s Church in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, for a service of removal. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Among those attending the service are Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill, former first minister Baroness Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein MP Pat Cullen.
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.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Aine Murphy MLA arriving for the Service of Removal for Vanessa Whyte, her son James Rutledge, and daughter Sara Rutledge at St. Mary’s Church in Maguiresbridge. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
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.’
The coffins of murder victims Vanessa Whyte and her children Sara and James Rutledge have arrived at St Mary’s Church in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, for a service of removal. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
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.
Vanessa Whyte with her two children James and Sara. Pic: Facebook
‘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.
