Tragic deaths ‘bolt from the blue’

THE village of Grangecon in Co Wicklow could grace a postcard, but the scenes of grief and shock there yesterday were more suited to a TV series.

Many neighbours stood out on the road close to the home of the Sleator family and tried to take in the magnitude of what had happened.

John Joe and Mary Sleator and their son Pat had died, and nobody was quite sure why.

All three were well known and liked in the locality. Mary had been the ladies’ vice-captain in Baltinglass golf club while John Joe was also heavily involved and was a past president. All three were also involved in the local church: John Joe was in the choir and Mary was a minister of the word, while Pat would often carry out the collection, neighbours said.

The family farm of about 150 acres had been leased for tillage and grazing in recent years following John Joe’s retirement. Neighbours said the family were related to the late, renowned horse trainer Paddy Sleator. They were local to the area, although parish priest Fr Thomas Dillon said he believed Mary was originally from Co Clare.

It is understood the home the family were living in was built more than 40 years ago, before which time they had lived in an older building at the foot of the present garden.

Fr Dillon said both Mary and John Joe were really enjoying their retirement and lived an active life, and that they were “pleasant, welcoming and hospitable”.

It is believed the rifle found at the scene was owned by Pat.

“The family members must be terribly shocked and distraught, but we are all distraught,” he said.

Neighbours Tommy and Pamela Byrne who live on the same quiet road said the tragedy was a “bolt from the blue” for people in the area.

“It is a total shock, you’d never expect it to happen here,” said Pamela.

Tommy said the elderly couple had been playing golf up to just a few years ago and that he had spoken to Pat recently.

Relations Francis and Theresa Flood said they were “stunned” by the deaths.

“They were very popular in the locality,” said Francis.

Theresa said the trio would often have Sunday lunch at the golf club in Baltinglass and that their deaths had happened “out of the blue”.