Clare woman and her two children killed in Co Fermanagh shooting named locally

Vanessa Whyte with her children James and Sara. 

Tributes have been paid to “hugely respected” government vet Vanessa Whyte, who died with her two children in an incident in Co Fermanagh.

Ms Whyte, 45, who was originally from Co Clare, and her 14-year-old son James and 13-year-old daughter Sara died following a shooting.

A fourth person, a man, remains in a serious condition in hospital after the incident in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge on Wednesday.

Superintendent Robert McGowan confirmed that all four people are members of the same household and all four suffered gunshot wounds.

A murder investigation has been launched and police are pursuing a triple murder and attempted suicide line of inquiry.

Ms Whyte was originally from Barefield in Co Clare. She attended secondary school in Coláiste Muire in Ennis.

According to Clare FM, she moved to Fermanagh several years ago and was working as a Veterinary Surgeon with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Katrina Godfrey, permanent secretary at the DAERA, said they deeply regret the death of their colleague.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of her and her children in these tragic circumstances,” she said.

“Vanessa was a valued member of our Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group and a hugely respected member of the veterinary profession.

“She will be greatly missed by all who worked alongside her.

“On behalf of the department, we offer our sincere condolences to her family, friends and all those in the community impacted by her and her children’s deaths.

They will remain in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days and months ahead as they and we come to terms with the loss.

Chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher said Ms White was a highly respected member of the DAERA Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group and a devoted mother and active member of her local community.

“Many of us had the privilege of knowing Vanessa personally and she was hugely admired by all those who came across her,” he said.

“The loss we feel today is immense and it has profoundly affected us.

“The next few days, weeks and months will be difficult for all who knew her — especially her family.

“We are thinking of her family, friends and neighbours at this time and we ask that people give everyone the time and space to come to terms with their loss at this difficult time.” 

Vanessa Whyte with her children James and Sara. 

Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy said he was “deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the death of a mother and two children near Maguiresbridge yesterday”.

He said: “While we do not know all the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, I am very aware that the news is causing deep distress in the community of Co Fermanagh and beyond.

“I assure the family of the deceased, and everyone affected by this tragedy, of my prayers and assure them of the prayerful support of the wider community.”

A Fermanagh GAA club has said those who died in the tragedy were all “active and beloved” members of the club.

“St Mary’s Maguiresbridge GFC offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by the tragic incident which happened in our community this morning,” it said in a statement on Facebook.

“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.”

St Patrick's Lisbellaw Hurling Club issued a similar statement, while Fermanagh GAA said: "Fermanagh GAA offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by the tragic incident which happened in our community this morning.

"We are thinking of and supporting our clubs St Patricks Lisbellaw Hurling Club and Maguiresbridge St Mary's GFC at this difficult time."