Waterford funeral mass hears “darkness came taking innocent lives” of English family

Hundreds of mourners lined the streets and packed out the Sacred Heart Church in The Folly this afternoon to pay tribute to the murdered family, with 400 more devastated neighbours gathering at a local community centre.

The parents and two children died after an arson attacked linked to a drug debt last Tuesday. Two young children remain in hospital.

Parish Priest Fr Gerry Chestnutt said that last Tuesday morning, "forces of darkness came in the dark and devastated a family, taking four innocent lives".

Bishop for Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan said mass while family priest Fr Chestnutt delivered the homily.

President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin were represented at the funeral by their aides-de-camp, while the government was represented by Chief Whip Mary Butler and Minister for State John Cummins. Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald along with local TD David Cullinane is also in attendance.

In his homily, Fr Chestnutt said "The feelings of all are clear: heartbreak, shock, devastation and, yes, anger.

"What comforting words can we find this day? For the families, you have received in so many ways an outpouring of love and support which, you can be assured, will continue from this day on," he said.

"What comforting words can we hear this afternoon to offer hope and consolation? The gospels provide words that speak of reality but also of hope and promise. The words of Saint Luke's gospel speak of the reality of tragic death and grief".

The local priest said dad Philip "was funny, lovable, sensitive and caring. Family always was his priority. Any photograph that you have seen of him sums him up, always smiling.

"Kim had a different personality to Philip: vocal and feisty, but the most loving, kind and caring person.

"As parents, they adored their children. Their life as a family was a journey of love. And there were many journeys as three of their children faced illness. Through all of that they were completely united and dedicated.

"Callum, that mischievous smile. The photograph put up by Johnville Football Club is him. The smile, the winner's medal placed between his teeth. A lovable rogue. You tested the patience of family, friends, principal and teachers in Scoil Lorcáin. But Callum, you were loved by all.

"Everyone in Johnville, in fact everybody in this community is heartbroken. On behalf of all of us, Callum, you are a winner. A dark deed took life from you but your light will shine forever.

"Jayden, a force of love, life and energy came into the world when you were born. Boundless energy, you rarely stayed still. You were full of fun and mischief. Very often you were heard before you were seen.

"Life was never dull at home, in the Birchwood Estate or at Saint Joseph's School when you were around but you were adored by all."

The "beautiful family" had done "no wrong to anybody".

Bishop Cullinan told the congregation that drug use has become a systemic problem in Ireland and lives are being destroyed.

The Bishop for Waterford and Lismore also said that anyone taking drugs recreationally was feeding an "evil machine".

"How heart-wrenching it is to see four coffins before this sacred altar. This entire community and the whole country join in loving solidarity with the family and many friends of Phil, Kim, Callum and Jayden.

"Four beautiful, innocent lives have been taken: two loving, devoted parents who did the best for their children, and their two sons - all innocent victims of a web of evil which is the drugs trade.

"As a country, we have not really faced up to this problem and it is a fact that in every city, town, village in Ireland."