The funeral mass of a Clare mother and her children who were killed in a shooting incident at their Fermanagh home has heard they were taken in a cruel and vicious way and robbed of the remainder of their lives, but their family can take comfort in the fact they will be within each others arms forever more.
Large crowds descended on Barefield today to remember Vanessa Whyte and her teenage children Sara and James Rutledge.
On a day when mourners overwhelmingly obliged with a request to wear bright and cheerful colours, Somewhere Over the Rainbow was among the songs fittingly played to the congregation.
The flags of St.Joseph’s Doora Barefield, Clare and Ireland all flew at half mast too as capacity crowds packed into the Church of the Immaculate Conception, with many more mourners seated and standing in the church grounds to remember Vanessa Whyte, and her children James and Sara Rutlegde who were taken too soon
Among those in attendance were GAA President Jarlath Burns and a representative of Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
While, hours before hundreds lined the streets of the parish with members of St.Joseph’s Doora-Barefield, St.Patrick’s Lisbellaw and St.Mary’s Maguiresbridge GAA clubs all performing guards of honour.
Family friend, Chief Celebrant and Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash said amid the tragic events and search for answers, the many communities affected have ensured “darkness will not conquer”.
Vanessa Whyte’s coffin was draped in the St.Joseph’s Doora-Barefield flag, along with a club jersey and sliotar, while her Veterinary degree and a family photo lay beneath.
Delivering the eulogy, her sister Regina described her as a loving daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and friend as well as a lover of animals and the GAA.
Vanessa graduated as a Veterinary Surgeon from UCD in 2003, and mourners heard she was destined for the career from an early age, having purchased a donkey with her communion money, she would later in life commence employment at the Lakelands in Derrygonnell where she quickly gained the respect of the local farming community and soon progressed to work with the Department of Agriculture.
A blue card and cattle tags were brought to the altar as symbols of Vannessa’s life, signifying her time devoted as a vet, hardworking, muddy boots, early mornings and dedication, with her sister Regina saying she was a perfectionist, who was witty, bright, kind and determined and lived a unique and irreplaceable life.
Other tales of Vanessa, involved her love of Gaelic Games and a remarkable journey to Croke Park in 1997 at just seventeen years of age, where she travelled to Dublin without an All-Ireland final ticket, but undeterred, eventually secured access to watch her beloved Clare win the Liam McCarthy Cup.
For 14 Year-Old James, a hurley was brought to the altar to mark his love of the game, while mourners heard how his vibrance and devilment in training often led to extra laps and push ups, but always deeper friendship.
The congregation was told he played with a deep pride whether he was lining out for Fermanagh, Maguriesbridge or St.Patricks and that his qualities on the field signified his life of it, full of loyalty, dependability and kindness, and that his memory will live on with every sliotar struck in his honour.
13 Year-old Sara was remembered for her kindness, warmth and passion for life , while the church heard she was ready to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a Veterinary Surgeon, a toy cat was brought to the altar to mark her love of animals.
Sara’s talents for netball, hurling and ladies football were also relayed to the crowds, with her Auntie describing her as “a team player, a quiet leader, and like every sister, never let James away with anything”.
A hurlers prayer was read by Anita Browne, while Bishop Nash also referenced a passage in Christy O’Connors ‘The Club’ stating “In the history of the story of hurling in this parish, it’s always a great honour to wear the county jersey, but when you wear the club jersey, you wear the jersey of those who will carry your coffin, it’s sad to realise that came true for Vanessa, Sara, James, fair too soon and far too sadly”.
Mourners also heard how Vanessa, James and Sara had been due to visit Clare this weekend, where Vanessa was due to meet her new nephew and James and Sara their baby cousin.
Regina says on what should’ve been a joyous occasion, they were taken in a cruel and vicious way and robbed of the remainder of their lives and that now the family’s only comfort is that they’re together and finally safe.
During the prayers of the faithful, family members also thanked the emergency services for their efforts and the communities in Barefield, Maguiresbridge and further afield for their support.
An appeal was also made for anyone living in fear to reach out.
May they rest in peace
You can listen to the full report below.
Anyone affected by this issue can contact Clare Suicide Bereavement Support online on claresuicidebereavementsupport.com or by phone on 086 056 5373. The Samaritans 24 hour free confidential listening service is also available by phone on 116 123.
