A book of condolence has been opened by Clare County Council for Barefield native Vanessa Whyte and her children, who lost their lives in a shooting incident in Fermanagh.
They will be laid to rest together in Clare this weekend, following a service of removal in Maguiresbridge tomorrow.
Vanessa Whyte and her teenage children were shot and killed at their home in Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh last Wednesday morning.
A fourth person, 43-year-old Ian Rutledge was taken to hospital as a result of self-inflicted gunshot wounds, where he remained in critical condition until yesterday evening, when he died from his injuries.
A service is taking place in St Mary’s Church in Maguiresbridge for Vanessa, James and Sara tomorrow at 11am before removal to Vanessa’s native county Clare.
They’ll lie in repose in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield on Friday from 3 to 7pm, and will be laid to rest together in Templemaley Cemetery on Saturday, following funeral mass in Barefield Church at 12 noon.
Clare County Council is inviting members of the public to sign a book of condolence in memory of Vanessa and her children in the Foyer of Áras Contae an Chláir in Ennis.
Mayor of Clare, Councillor Paul Murphy has expressed his sympathy, and that of the people of Clare, to the Whyte family and widespread community.
Meanwhile, Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer is urging people to respect the privacy of the Whyte family and to support them in their time of unimaginable grief.
Sergeant Catriona Holohan, who has been working with the Clare Local Area Network Opposing Violence Against Women for the last 14 years says anyone who this incident resonates with should not to travel the road alone.
A list of County Clare’s supports can be found through the Clare Local Area Network website www.clarelan.ie and anyone affected by this story can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or Pieta House on 1800 247 247.
