The Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Eamon Martin, was among hundreds who took part in a vigil to remember members of a family murdered in County Louth earlier this week.
The bodies of Mark O’Connor, his wife Louise, and their 27-year-old son Evan were found at their home in Drumgowna on Monday.
The O’Connors’ 31-year-old son, Robert O’Connor of Drumgowna, has been charged with three counts of murder.
The deaths have left the local community in shock. Superintendent Andrew Watters described the family as “very well known and respected. They are good neighbours and an integral part of their local community and the wider area of Louth and Monaghan.”
Mr O’Connor worked as a regional manager in Ireland’s National Advocacy Service, which supports adults with disabilities, while his wife was a nurse. Both were passionate campaigners for improved disability services.
In a joint statement, Archbishop Eamon and the Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, Michael Router, sent their “heartfelt sympathy” and said: “This devastating news has shaken the entire local community and, indeed, the whole country. Words are insufficient to capture the pain and shock of such loss, but we want them to know that they are surrounded by a blanket of prayer at this most difficult time.”
Leading prayers at the vigil, Fr Gerry Campbell said: “The loss of Mark, Louise and Evan has sent ripples of grief across our parish, across this land, and into the hearts of all who have heard their story.”