The bodies of father Alan Hawe, mother Clodagh Hawe, 39, and their three sons Liam, 13, Niall, 11, and Ryan, 6, were discovered in their home last Monday.
Advertisement
A requiem mass will take place in St Mary’s Church, Castlerahan at 4pm, and the entire family will be buried in the adjacent cemetery on the church grounds afterwards.
A death notice asked for mourners who wish to make donations to…
Clodagh Hawe’s sister Jacqueline turned to poetry to convey the heartache and deep sense of loss that has engulfed two families and a rural Irish community.
“The family played an fantastic part in the life of their schools as teachers, held in the highest regard by colleagues, parents and children, respectful of all in their care and so co-operative in every possible way”.
“The children, gifted pupils, team players, budding leaders, warm friends”.
Earlier in the week, Bishop Leo O’Reilly of Kilmore who is also patron of Saint Mary’s National School, Castlerahan, where Alan Hawe worked, summed up the mood in the town by saying it was hard to understand.
In one moving moment Clodagh’s mother, Mary, placed a treasured family photograph on her coffin while gifts for the children included a basketball, sports trophy and for the youngest, Ryan, a woollen toy dog.
Fr Kelly shared memories of a visit to the Hawe home one Christmas morning where he was welcomed with scones, coffee and invited to play with Lego.
“I know I was calling to see close friends and knew the welcome”, he said.
“Clodagh, Alan, Liam, Niall and Ryan are at peace”.
“Alan standing with his back to the kitchen sink totally at ease enjoying the bean an tí and the antics of unspoiled and respectful sons”.
Her friend said: “She is beyond heartbroken but she has forgiven him”. And although we can not see you.
“The family chain is broken and nothing will ever be the same”.
“May the God of mercy and compassion give you healing and strength to bear this cross and may he give you hope to face the future, knowing that one day you will be reunited in heaven”.
The Bishop of Kilmore, Leo O’Reilly, said their deaths had left the community “deeply traumatised”.
The family were laid to rest together in the graveyard beside the church they had so faithfully attended.
A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday in St Nicholas’ Church in Windgap where Alan’s parents and extended family live.
Advertisement
However the National Suicide Research Foundation has published a briefing on murder-suicide, urging sensitive and factual reporting to minimise harm and increase awareness.
