Prayer service to be held for Kilkenny fire victims

A private prayer service will be held in Kilkenny tonight for the mother and two daughters found dead following a fire at their home on Christmas Day.

The bodies of 30-year-old Sharon Whelan and her daughters, seven-year-old Zara and two-year-old Nadia, were found in the ruins of their rented farmhouse near Windgap.

The blaze was initially thought to be a tragic accident, but Gardaí later said they were keeping an open mind about the case.

A post mortem has reportedly revealed that Ms Whelan was dead before the fire started, but detectives are awaiting further tests before deciding what course to take in their investigation.

A detailed examination of the scene is due to continue today.

The funerals of the young mother and her two children will take place tomorrow.