Funeral held for tragic Cavan family

The funeral for the tragic Hawe family has been held in Co Cavan.

The family of five, mother Clodagh and father Alan, and sons Liam, Niall and Ryan were all found dead at house in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, on Monday morning.

Gardaí believed that their deaths came about as part of an apparent murder-suicide.

Fr Felim Kelly led the funeral service and said that it had shocked the community.

“I called to see Alan and Clodagh and Liam, Niall and Ryan on a Christmas morning a couple of years ago,” said Fr Kelly.

“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.

“More importantly they invited the old man and indeed showed him how to go about some intricate structures.

“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. Though it must be said Ryan the youngest had the eyes of a rogue and a beguiling manner.

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

“There is a dark side too. How so much goodness could be destroyed?

“How such happiness could be invaded? How? Why?

“It is not for us to seek answers or to surmise about behaviour. We all are trying to cope with a tragedy beyond our understanding.”