‘Thank you for your love, your friendship and support’
By Hayden Moore
THE father of three children whose bodies were discovered in their home in Newcastle spoke at a candlelit vigil in their memory on Tuesday night, telling those gathered that he is “finding great comfort being home amongst the toys and books” that brought his children such joy.
The community of Newcastle came together on Tuesday evening outside the McGinley family home in Parson’s Court in memory of siblings Conor (9), Darragh (7), and Carla (3), where their father Andrew addressed the several hundred people.
Andrew with his children Conor, Carla and Darragh
“Thank you all for coming here tonight, thank you for your love, your friendship, your support and your compassion,” said Andrew, fighting back the tears.
“Make no mistake, Conor, Darragh and Carla were loved and adored by all our family – each and every one of us.
“They had big beautiful bright futures ahead of them.
“Thank you for every note, every text, every letter and every card.
“Thank you for everyone who has taken the time to send their condolences, and to sign books of condolences. I will read every one of them.”
He added: “I’m finding great comfort being home amongst the toys and books that brought Conor, Darragh and Carla such joy.
“I’m finding great comfort being amongst you all.”
The local parish priest from St Finian’s Catholic Church, Fr Kevin Doherty, also spoke on the green space outside the family home, where hoards of flowers and toys have been placed, remembering the “three little beautiful children”.
Songs and hymns were sung among the crowd, with everyone there focused on being present with the McGinley family.
In a rather touching moment after the speakers had concluded, a little girl came up to Andrew to give him a toy teddy bear and to tell him that she was a friend of the late Darragh, his son.
Three candles were lit by Andrew, each to symbolise one of his children, and from there the flame spread through the crowd with each lighting their own candle from them.
A member of ReNewcastle Community Group said at the vigil: “Everybody wants to do something, and this is all we can do, be here.
“We will light our candles from the three candles here. So, the light in the darkness will spread from those lights.”
The funeral details for Conor, Darragh and Carla McGinley have been announced for Friday morning, January 31, at 11am in the Church of The Holy Family, Rathcoole.
A GoFundMe has been set up as a show of support for the McGinley family, which raised almost €26,000 in just three days.
To donate to the GoFundMe, click HERE.
On Wednesday afternoon, Ms Deirdre Morley appeared at Dublin District Court, where she was charged with the murder of her daughter, and two sons.
With the district court unable to grant bail in a murder case, Judge Paula Murphy remanded the accused in custody to appear again on February 5.
