There were “incredibly emotional scenes” in Waterford yesterday, as the city prepares to bury four members of the English family.
Philip, Kim, Jayden and Callum English all died last week after their house was set alight in a suspected arson attack. Two other children remain in a critical condition in hospital in Dublin.
Their funeral mass will begin at 2pm today at the Sacred Heart Church in Waterford and will last until 5pm. Afterwards, they will then be laid to rest at the nearby Kilbarry cemetery.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Chief Reporter Barry Whyte said a large turnout is expected.
“It's expected to be an incredibly emotional occasion, with hundreds of mourners expected to gather to say their final goodbyes,” Mr Whyte explained.
“This tragedy has devastated the local community and there's been an enormous eye-pouring of grief and support for the English family over the past week.
“The funeral liturgy will be led by local parish priest, Father Gerry Chestnut; the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan is also expected to attend.”
View this post on Instagram
President Connolly will be represented by an aide de camp, while Chief Whip Mary Butler and Minister of State John Cummins will represent the Government.
“A number of businesses will actually close in Waterford today as a mark of respect,” Mr Whyte said.
“That's another indication of just how deeply this tragedy has affected the entire city."
Mr Whyte added that there were “incredibly emotional scenes” at the Sacred Heart Church, as the Emglish family's coffins arrived for the removal.
“Four separate horses arrived at the Sacred Heart Church, with the church bells ringing out as the coffins were removed,” he said.
“Then in a particularly heartbreaking moment, the four coffins were briefly lined up side by side outside the church.
“The two small white coffins of 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden were placed in the middle with the wooden coffins of their parents, then on either side.
“Also outside, the church players from Johnville Football Club, where Callum played, formed a guard of honour on the church steps.”
View this post on Instagram
The club has announced that it will retire the No. 5 jersey in Callum's memory.
He was a member of the Under 11's club and helped the team secure victory in the league last year.
The flags of Ireland, Waterford and Liverpool FC were also draped over the family’s coffins, in a nod to both Philip and Callum’s love for the Reds.
“Just last week, the Liverpool anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone, was played at an emotional vigil in the Birchwood Estate, where they lived last Wednesday, as hundreds of pink and blue balloons were released into the sky in memory of the family,” Mr Whyte described.
“Inside the Sacred Heart Church yesterday, four candles, two large, two small, remained lighting in front of a photograph of the family throughout their removal.”
Garda investigation
On Saturday night, two people appeared before a special sitting of Clonmel District Court on Saturday night in connection with the attack.
21-year-old Keane Stacey and 31-year-old Jessica Dalton were both charged with one count criminal damage and two counts of assault causing harm.
Both have been remanded in custody and are due to appear via video link in Waterford District Court.
Main image: The English family. Picture by: RIP.ie.
