Tests after mother and sons found dead

Gardaí were today awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations on two children found dead in their west Dublin home with their mother.

Detectives suspect Mary Keegan, 41, killed her two sons, Glen, 10, and Andrew, six, before taking her own life.

Her husband, Brian, was being comforted by relatives this morning after he returned from a business trip to the US yesterday to find his wife and children dead in the kitchen of their home in Killakee Walk, Firhouse.

Local priest Father Patrick Madden said the entire community was deeply shocked by the incident.

“I think also there’s a feeling a numbness and for some people great distress,” he said.

“This tragedy, which we only learned of in the last 24 hours, has really affected the community widely.”

Fr Madden said the children were very well-liked by their fellow pupils.

“This morning we are praying for them and praying for all those who are grieving this morning,” he added.

Superintendent Declan Coburn, of Tallaght Garda Station, said gardaí had to force entry to the home after they were alerted at around 11.30am yesterday.

He said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Maurice Curtin, principal of Scoil Treasa, which Glen attended, said: “We are looking for advice to give out to help parents and kids to cope.”

A garda community officer has been assigned to the local schools, including Scoil Carmel, which Andrew attended, to help the distraught youngsters and parents come to terms with the tragedy.

Neighbours said the couple had been living in the area for around 10 years, but Mrs Keegan, who job-shared at a local bank and used to work as a beautician, was originally from nearby Rathfarnham.

They said the family appeared happy and there were no warning signs of the tragedy that was about to unfold.