Mourners of murdered mum and children told 'it's ok to feel confused and angry'
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.
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Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Murdered mum and her two kids are "together and safe", their funeral hears
A murdered mother and her children are "together and finally safe", their funeral has heard. Crowds flooded into the Co Clare village of Barefield for the funeral of Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, who died in a shooting at their home in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh. 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. Those in attendance at the funeral at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday included a representative for the Taoiseach Micheal Martin and GAA president Jarlath Burns. GAA President Jarlath Burns at the funeral for Vanessa Whyte and her children Sara and James Rutledge, at Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, Co Clare. Noel Sweeney/PA Wire Delivering the eulogy, Ms Whyte's sister Regina said they have been robbed of their loved ones. "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," she said. "We as a family have been robbed of both a relationship with our sister and a 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 to have Vanessa, James and Sara back to Clare. "This was supposed to be a joyous occasion where Vanessa would see her new nephew, and Sara and James would meet their baby cousin 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." She described her sister as "witty, bright, kind and determined", and said James and Sara were the "focus of her world". She recalled James's love of the GAA, playing both hurling and football, and also cricket, adding he has been acknowledged as the "kind, bright, determined teenager we as a family know so well". "James's smile was infectious, and his loyalty was strong," she said. Sara was remembered as having a deep love for animals, and aspiring to follow in her mother's footsteps to become a vet, as well as loving sport. "She was an excellent hurler, a footballer and skilled at netball. She was a team player, a quiet leader, and like every sister, never let James away with anything," she said. 24/07/2025 - BELFAST - Image of Vanessa Whyte (centre) with Sara Rutledge and James Rutledge. Amazing Grace and Somewhere Over The Rainbow were among the music played during the service. Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns and a family friend, described heartbreak over the "tragic and unspeakable loss of three lives with so much to give to the world". Delivering the homily, he said every story and shared memory since their deaths "reminds us of the irreplaceable part they played in the lives of their families, their community, their schools, workplaces, teams and clubs". "The tragic events of last week, and the ripping away of three people from their family and friends leave us searching for answers and coming back again and again to the only answer that is completely true: 'We don't know'," he said. He noted messages of condolences for the mother and her children including from neighbours, but also many from those who simply described themselves as "A Waterford Mammy", "A Cork Granny", and "A Wicklow Mother". "There were some with both dads and mams mentioned, but there were many where a woman spoke from her own heart," he said. "They don't know you, nor you them, but they know your story, and if they hug their teenagers more tightly and call a ceasefire in the perpetual war about tidy rooms, then they have learned that life is precious, and we must be grateful for every day given to us and to those we love. "Over and over, I could see that women and mothers, as individuals, reached out in their shock and sadness at the loss of a mother and children, but also conscious that there were heartbroken mothers left behind. "The messages highlighted the vulnerability of women to pain inflicted by others and were signs of solidarity in the face of that pain." Last week crowds also turned out for Ms Whyte, James and Sara for a service of removal in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday. Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who died on Monday, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family. Police in Northern Ireland have said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry. Ms Whyte, James and Sara are to be buried together in Templemaley Cemetery later. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Extra.ie
5 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Mum and kids killed in Fermanagh shooting are 'together and finally safe', funeral hears
Crowds turned out in the Co Clare village of Barefield for the funeral of a murdered mother and her children. 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.
Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Mother and children killed in Fermanagh shooting taken in ‘cruel and vicious manner,' funeral told
Crowds flooded into the Co Clare village of Barefield for the funeral of Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, who died in a shooting at their home in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh. 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. Those in attendance at the funeral at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday included a representative for the Taoiseach Micheal Martin and GAA president Jarlath Burns. Delivering the eulogy, Ms Whyte's sister Regina said they have been robbed of their loved ones. '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,' she said. 'We as a family have been robbed of both a relationship with our sister and a 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 to have Vanessa, James and Sara back to Clare. 'This was supposed to be a joyous occasion where Vanessa would see her new nephew, and Sara and James would meet their baby cousin 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.' ADVERTISEMENT She described her sister as 'witty, bright, kind and determined', and said James and Sara were the 'focus of her world'. She recalled James's love of the GAA, playing both hurling and football, and also cricket, adding he has been acknowledged as the 'kind, bright, determined teenager we as a family know so well'. 'James's smile was infectious, and his loyalty was strong,' she said. Sara was remembered as having a deep love for animals, and aspiring to follow in her mother's footsteps to become a vet, as well as loving sport. 'She was an excellent hurler, a footballer and skilled at netball. She was a team player, a quiet leader, and like every sister, never let James away with anything,' she said. Amazing Grace and Somewhere Over The Rainbow were among the music played during the service. Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns and a family friend, described heartbreak over the 'tragic and unspeakable loss of three lives with so much to give to the world'. Delivering the homily, he said every story and shared memory since their deaths 'reminds us of the irreplaceable part they played in the lives of their families, their community, their schools, workplaces, teams and clubs'. 'The tragic events of last week, and the ripping away of three people from their family and friends leave us searching for answers and coming back again and again to the only answer that is completely true: 'We don't know',' he said. He noted messages of condolences for the mother and her children including from neighbours, but also many from those who simply described themselves as 'A Waterford Mammy', 'A Cork Granny', and 'A Wicklow Mother'. 'There were some with both dads and mams mentioned, but there were many where a woman spoke from her own heart,' he said. 'They don't know you, nor you them, but they know your story, and if they hug their teenagers more tightly and call a ceasefire in the perpetual war about tidy rooms, then they have learned that life is precious, and we must be grateful for every day given to us and to those we love. 'Over and over, I could see that women and mothers, as individuals, reached out in their shock and sadness at the loss of a mother and children, but also conscious that there were heartbroken mothers left behind. 'The messages highlighted the vulnerability of women to pain inflicted by others and were signs of solidarity in the face of that pain.' Last week crowds also turned out for Ms Whyte, James and Sara for a service of removal in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday. Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who died on Monday, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family. Police in Northern Ireland have said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry. Ms Whyte, James and Sara are to be buried together in Templemaley Cemetery later.
