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Hundreds gather in Cavan as five members of Hawe family laid to rest

The funeral service of the Hawe family in Cavan, has heard of a community described as trying to ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

16.17 3 Sep 2016


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Hundreds gather in Cavan as fi...

Hundreds gather in Cavan as five members of Hawe family laid to rest

Newstalk
Newstalk

16.17 3 Sep 2016


Share this article


The funeral service of the Hawe family in Cavan, has heard of a community described as trying to cope with a tragedy beyond our understanding.

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to the family of five, who were found dead at their home on Monday.

Mourners young and old gathered at St Mary's Church in Castlerahan to pay their respects to Alan and Clodagh Hawe and their three sons - Liam age 13, Niall 11 and 6 year old Ryan - were found dead at their home in Ballyjamesduff on Monday.

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Alan Hawe was the Deputy Principal at Castlerahan National School, where Niall and Ryan were also pupils.

Clodagh Hawe (nee Coll) was a primary school teacher in Meath.

The bodies of the Hawe family arrive at the Church of St. Mary in Castlerahan in County Cavan. Credit: Rolling News.

Members of the Hawe and Coll families were both present at the ceremony and they were described as being united in support and brokenness.

The cheif celebrant at the service, Fr. Felim Kelly, said their deaths along with their sons' are a tremendous loss to the community.

"The family played an amazing part in life in their schools as teachers who were held in the highest regard by colleagues, parents and children. Respected by all in their care and so co-operative in every way.

"The children (were) gifted pupils, team players, budding leaders, warm friends, what a loss," Fr Kelly said.

A hearse carries the coffin of Clodagh Hawe to Castlerahan church. Credit: Rolling News.

“I called to see Alan and Clodagh and Liam, Niall and Ryan on a Christmas morning a couple of years ago," he continued.

“Christmas is about family, is centred on children and is about giving and receiving.

“ I know I was calling to see close friends and knew the welcome, Clodagh with her scones, red jam and mug of coffee, Liam, Niall and Ryan busily, like budding engineers, building all kinds of Lego.

“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.

“That is my abiding memory of a family at Christmas.”

Symbols including a family photograph, a basketball, and a sports trophy were brought to the alter to sit beside the five coffins, to mark the Hawe's contribution as parents and teachers, and to remember their children.

People who wish to make donations have been asked to donate to suicide and self harm charity Pieta House.


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