The woman and children killed in a shooting incident in Co Fermanagh on Wednesday have been named locally.
Veterinary surgeon Vanessa Whyte died alongside her teenage children, Sarah and James, in the shooting in the village of Maguiresbridge yesterday.
The “devoted” mother was originally from Ennis in Co Clare, with the Irish News reporting that she had moved to Fermanagh several years ago. An Garda Siochana has been assisting the PSNI in liaising with family members in Co Clare, the paper reports.
Ms Whyte was aged in her 40s, while her two children, Sarah and James, were aged 13 and 14.
An adult male remains in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast with serious injuries. Police have confirmed that a line of enquiry is that the tragedy was a triple murder and attempted suicide. Four individuals from the same household suffered gunshot wounds at a house in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, in the tragedy.
Local GAA club St Mary’s Maguiresbridge GFC paid tribute in a social media statement, writing: “Our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by the tragic incident which happened in our community this morning.
“We are working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level, to implement the Association’s critical incident protocols. We will work closely with all appropriate services to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it.
“The deceased were all active and beloved members of our club. We will not be making any further comment at this difficult time.”
Similarly, Fermanagh GAA said that it offered its “heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by the tragic incident which happened in our community this morning.”
The Clare Champion reports this morning that the village of Barefield and all of County Clare is in shock following the news that Ms Whyte was among the deceased alongside her children.
Mayor of Ennis, Mary Howard of Fine Gael said described the news as “heartbreaking.”
“It is a family’s worst nightmare, and we are thinking of everyone concerned. This is absolutely heartbreaking news.”