A LOCAL parish priest has opened up about the devastating impact the deaths of three children all under the age of 10 has had on the local community of Newcastle in Co Dublin.
Gardai are still working to determine the circumstances around the deaths of siblings Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla (3) McGinley at a property in the village this past Friday, January 24.
According to The Irish Independent, the children’s father Andrew McGinley was the one who discovered their bodies at the family home along with a note which reportedly read “Call 999, don’t go upstairs”.
The children’s mother has been named by Extra.ie as nurse Deirdre Morley.
Their report suggests she took an overdose of painkillers following the deaths of her three children.
She is currently being treated in a nearby hospital.
An autopsy has been completed but Gardai will not disclose the findings while the investigation is ongoing.
Father Doherty is co-parish priest at St Finian’s Church in Newcastle, Co Dublin, where the family hd lived for the past year.
Speaking to RTÉ radio over the weekend, he admitted many in the local community were struggling to comprehend whath has happened.
“The darkness, it's so dark, it's unspeakable. Grief, heartbreak, loss. And it affects and touches everybody in this community,” he said.
“Out of the darkness, somehow we have to find the light. In the kindness of people, there is light.”
A book of condolences has been opened for the three children.
Gardaí are also liaising with the South Dublin Children and Young People's Service Committee to "ensure tailored and appropriate supports" are available to children and families affected by the incident.
