Cavan GAA and Cavan's Garda Síochána paid tribute to the young boy
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12 Sept 2025
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12 Sept 2025
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RIP Vanessa, James and Sara
Tributes have poured in for mother Vanessa Whyte and her children James and Sara who were tragically killed in a shooting incident in Fermanagh.
Hundreds of people gathered at a prayer service for the family who were killed on Wednesday morning on July 23 ahead of their funeral where all Vanessa will be buried with her two children.
An RIP tribute piece was posted for the Vanessa, James and Sara that reads:
"It is with broken hearts and many tears that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved Vanessa and her adored children James and Sara on the 23rd of July, 2025.
"Cherished and much-loved Vanessa, James and Sara will forever be in the hearts of their heartbroken family, remembered fondly by a devoted mother and loving grandmother Mary Whyte, sisters and brothers (aunts & uncles) Geraldine, Anita, Steve, Regina & Ivor and by their respective partner’s Michael, Bernie, Ciara and Anita’s husband James. Sadly missed by all their heartbroken cousins Deirbhíle, Erin, James, Danielle, Aishling, Jack and Harry Joe.
"They will be fondly missed by the extended Whyte Family, friends, work colleagues and the wider GAA Communities in both Fermanagh and Clare.
Funeral Arrangements:
A Service of Removal will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Maguiresbridge Boyhill Road, Maguiresbridge, BT94 4LL on Wednesday 30th July at 11.00 am.
Vanessa, James and Sara will lie in repose together in The Church Of The Immaculate Conception Barefield (V95 XA72) on Friday August 1st from 3pm until 7pm.
Private removal on Saturday morning August 2nd, with the Funeral Cortege arriving to The Church Of The Immaculate Conception, Barefield for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Following Mass Vanessa, James and Sara will be laid to rest together in Templemaley Cemetery.
People attending the funeral mass are asked to please wear bright and cheerful colours in their memory.
Flowers are most welcome or donations if desired, to Women’s Aid.
Heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and loved Vanessa and her children, with one mourner writing,
"I don’t know you but my heart is absolutely broken for you all on hearing about your tragic loss. May Vanessa James & Sara look down on you all and help you get through this. May there gentle souls rest in peace".
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Another message said, "My deepest condolences to the Whyte family on the tragic loss of Vanessa, James and Sara. What you are going through is unimaginable...I'll never forget Vanessa's fierce determination, if she wanted to do something she did it and that was it. Thank you for all your unsolicited help and for the odd lift in the blue Fiat, you wouldn't take no for an answer and I probably wasn't as grateful as I should have been at the time....Thank you. Rest in peace Vanessa, James and Sara".
"My heart is sore for these three beautiful people and for their family and friends, may you all find the strength to get through this unimaginably cruel and painful loss, the whole of Ireland has you in our thoughts and prayers," another tribute said.
"Sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Mary and family on the sudden and tragic circumstances that have fallen on you and your family. I truly hope and pray for you that your beloved daughter Vanessa and her beautiful children James and Sara give you and all your family the strength and love to get through this difficult and very very sad and difficult times ahead. May your beautiful Vanessa, James and Sara rest in peace," another message said.
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