![\"Vanessa](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2.81086437.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMs Whyte, a vet originally from Co Clare, and her two children, were killed in a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide at their Drummeer Road house in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh on Wednesday morning.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Vanessa Whyte with her children Sara and James, who died following a shooting in Co Fermanagh (PSNI\/PA)<\/p>\n
The remembrance Mass was held at 7pm on Sunday night, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, Co Clare \u2013 Ms Whyte\u2019s home village.<\/p>\n
A murder investigation has been launched, while an adult male \u2013 Ian Rutledge (42), father of the two children and husband to Vanessa \u2013 remains in a serious condition at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, having also suffered severe gunshot wounds.<\/p>\n
Police have said a suspected triple homicide-attempted suicide is one line of enquiry.<\/p>\n
At the prayer service, the priest told the congregation that \u201cVanessa was a woman who gave and who gave and who gave\u201d, and that James and Sara had \u201cdreams that will never be fulfilled\u201d.<\/p>\n
He described their murders as \u201can unspeakable tragedy\u201d and something that has been difficult for the parish to get their minds around.<\/p>\n
During his eulogy, he said that Vanessa will be remembered by the parish for \u201cher strength, and her incredible and powerful love for her children\u201d.<\/p>\n
“She gave it her all, to the very end,\u201d the cleric added.<\/p>\n
“We remember James and Sara, not just as victims of violence, but as children who played and laughed.<\/p>\n
“They had their favourite stories, of course, favourite foods I’m sure, as well, and great dreams \u2013 dreams that will never be fulfilled, but dreams that mattered, because they were theirs.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bc168cad-9a75-473f-9bb1-821ffc4c2244.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The altar at a prayer service at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Barefield, for Vanessa Whyte and her children, James and Sara, who were killed in Co Fermanagh. Photo: Brian Lawless\/PA Wire<\/p>\n
Maguiresbridge vigil takes place as book of condolence opens at young shooting victims\u2019 former school<\/p>\n
“Vanessa was a mother. She was a daughter, a sister, an auntie, and a great friend, to so many people.<\/p>\n
“She was a woman who loved her children fiercely. She wanted the best for them. She worked hard and she laughed a lot.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd she carried burdens that we may never, ever fully understand. Her life was incredibly precious.<\/p>\n
\u201cJames and Sara, young lives just beginning, so full of promise, so loved, so full of light. They’ve been taken away from this world all too soon in a violent way.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just find it impossible, my dear friends, to make sense of any of it. We cannot rationalise what should never have taken place.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we can do is remember the pain that we feel now. That pain is born out of love.<\/p>\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/7bb9f270-e716-4455-b342-c73765ac7eb4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
People sign a book of condolences during a prayer service at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Barefield, Republic of Ireland, for Vanessa Whyte and her children, James and Sara, who were killed in Co Fermanagh. Photo: Brian Lawless\/PA Wire<\/p>\n
“If we didn\u2019t love Vanessa \u2013 and so many of you would have known her \u2013 and if we didn\u2019t love her children, we wouldn\u2019t be grieving. This is the price that we pay for love, but it is also love itself that will help Vanessa\u2019s family and all of us indeed to carry it over the weeks and months to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cMary \u2013 and I know you\u2019re at home and you\u2019re listening \u2013 she was Vanessa\u2019s beloved mother, and her grief is a very deep ocean indeed.<\/p>\n
“No mother should ever have to endure this, and yet Mary I know will find herself surrounded by people who care deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that while Vanessa\u2019s mother Mary and her many siblings were not physically present in the chapel, they were watching the online live stream at home.<\/p>\n
He repeatedly told them: \u201cYou are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Mass took place on Sunday evening to allow for Ms Whyte\u2019s brother, Ivor, to travel home from Australia.<\/p>\n
The clergyman also thanked representatives of St Mary\u2019s Maguiresbridge Gaelic Football Club and Lisbellaw Hurling Club for making the journey down to Co Clare from Fermanagh for the Mass.<\/p>\n
Vanessa, James and Sara have all been described as \u201cactive and beloved\u201d members of both clubs.<\/p>\n
![\"Maguiresbride](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/3_8547_878ddb80b0a9.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Maguiresbride shooting victims Vanessa Whyte with her two children James and Sara<\/p>\n
Three candles were lit at the altar in remembrance of the murdered mum and her children, while a fourth was lit for Vanessa\u2019s mother Mary, and the rest of her extended family.<\/p>\n
Parish priest Father Tom Fitzpatrick said \u201cthe purpose of the service is to gather as a community and be with the family and let them know we are thinking of them and we are here in shock and in pain\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen something happens in a rural community, even to one person, it affects everybody. We are coming here with hearts broken. A lot of the community knew Vanessa and she was so well loved,\u201d he commented.<\/p>\n
A book of condolences has also been opened at the church.<\/p>\n