LATEST: Vigil to be held for mother and children killed in Fermanagh shooting

Large crowds are expected to gather for a community vigil being held in memory of a mother and her two children died in a  shooting incident in Fermanagh this week. 

Tributes have been flooding in following the death of of Vanessa Whyte (45) who was a native of Clare and who worked as a veterinary surgeon at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. She has been described as a "devoted mother" who brought "joy and laughter" to all those around her. 

Teenagers James and Sara Rutledge were "good natured" children who were widely known for their love of sports. It was said by those close to them that Vanessa, James and Sara were "a trio that was always by each others side."

They were shot in their Fermanagh home on Wednesday morning, July 23. Both Vanessa and Sara died at the scene, with James being pronounced dead some hours later in hospital. 

A fourth person, a man, remains in a serious condition. It has been confirmed by the PSNI that all four people were members of the same family and household. 

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Solidarity events are now being held in honour of the much-loved family after the shocking tragedy, aiming to bring the community together through this heart-breaking time. 

A vigil will be held on the grounds of Maguiresbridge Primary School Hall, where James and Sara previously attended, this Friday, July 25 at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to come and pay their respects.

A book of condolences will be open at the school until 9pm this Friday and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday. 

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has have described the incident as "horrific" and both have offered their sympathies to those affected. 

Fr Tom Fitzpatrick, parish priest at Barefield, County Clare told The Irish Mirror that Vanessa’s mother Mary had been on a pilgrimage to Knock Shrine in Mayo when the murders took place on Wednesday morning.

It has since been reported by the Irish Mirror that Vanessa was to take James and Sara to see their granny in Clare for the August Bank Holiday Weekend. This was just 12 days away at the time of their deaths. 

It is understood that An Garda Síochána is assisting the PSNI in liaising with Ms Whyte's family members in Clare. 

St Mary's Maguiresbridge Gaelic Football Club posted a heartfelt tribute to the well-known family on their social media. Sara Rutledge was a valued player on an underage team. 

They have said the entire club community is "heartbroken" as the teenager was "full of life, exceptionally well-mannered and always dedicated."

"If three people had been shot dead by a stranger in a public place, the response would be immediate and unequivocal. But because this happened in a home, it risks being quietly forgotten, just another footnote in Northern Ireland’s long, shameful record of ignoring male violence. This must end. We demand action, now," the organisation concluded.

It has been confirmed that police are probing a triple murder and attempted suicide line of inquiry.