2 days ago
GAA pay poignant tribute to mum and two children killed in Co Fermanagh shooting at All-Ireland final in Croke Park
THE GAA has paid a poignant tribute to a mum and two children who were killed in Co Fermanagh this week.
The commemoration took place at
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A vigil was held for Vanessa and her children Sara and James on Friday evening
Credit: PA
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Respects were paid to the tragic trio and their family
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It was to honour
The names of the three appeared on screen alongside a picture of them while a minute's applause was held.
And an announcement was made on the loudspeakers offering "condolences on the tragic deaths" with thoughts and prayers dedicated to the trio's friends, family, and community.
A moment of silence was also held before the match kicked off.
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Vanessa and her two children were shot dead at their home in the Co
A man who is a member of the same household remains critical in hospital while PSNI probe the incident as a suspected triple-murder and attempted suicide.
Maguiresbridge St Mary's GFC paid tribute to the family, calling them "treasured members".
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In a statement, they said: "Vanessa's devotion to her family and our games was well known, but to say she wore her heart on her sleeve seems like an understatement in Vanessa's case.
"Vanessa's heart was there for everyone to see each and every time James and Sara would take to the pitch.
"She had a passion for our games that encompassed everything good about the GAA showing dedication, sportsmanship, and camaraderie, and it was clear to see how Vanessa instilled these same values in her children."
Remembering young lad James, they added: "Captain of our U14 team this year, James' energy and drive was the heartbeat of our team and he had the confidence to be vocal and show leadership to younger team members.
All-Ireland Senior Championship Hurling Final Croke Park
"During games his enthusiasm and strength of character was only echoed by that of Vanessa and Sara who would inevitably be cheering him on from the sideline.
"At training, those of us lucky enough to be involved would see James the joker.
"His playfulness and sense of humour may have earned his teammates more push-ups than they would've like on occasion, but his light-hearted nature and kindness always enhanced team morale and made our time together all the more enjoyable and memorable."
And in tribute to Sara, they commented: "Sara displayed a mix of quiet resolve with dogged determination.
HEART AND SOUL
"An exceptionally well behaved girl, Sara was a joy to be around and always had a smile on her face.
"Like Vanessa and James, Sara shared a love of all things GAA and their beloved County Clare, a regular source of playful goading, which we will now forever miss."
And St Patrick's Lisbellaw Hurling Club said the tragic victims were "the heart and soul" of the club.
They said: "Our hearts go out to all those grieving their loss. This tragedy has had and will continue to have such an impact on all those whose lives they touched.
"The club and wider GAA community are sharing resources to try and help process this devastating loss.
"Anybody who needs help with this, please reach out.
"Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a anam."
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The three were avid GAA players in two of their local clubs
Credit: Pacemaker
