A priest has told mourners that an “act of total evil” was responsible for the deaths of Kim and Phillip English and their sons Callum (12) and Jayden (nine).
The young family died last week in an arson attack on their Birchwood Estate home just outside Waterford city. Two other children, aged 14 and six, remain in a critical condition in hospital.
Two people appeared in court on Saturday charged in connection with the attack on the family home.
President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin were represented at Monday’s funeral by their aides-de-camp.
Father Gerry Chestnutt told mourners: “The feelings of all are clear: Heartbreak, shock, devastation and, yes, anger.
“What comforting words can we find this day? For the families, you have received in so many ways an outpouring of love and support which, you can be assured, will continue from this day on.”
Speaking of Kim and Phillip, he said: “As parents, they adored their children. Their life as a family was a journey of love, and there were many journeys as three of their children faced illness. Through all of that they were completely united and dedicated.
“Callum, that mischievous smile. The photograph put up by Johnville Football Club is him. The smile, the winner’s medal placed between his teeth. A lovable rogue. You tested the patience of family, friends, principal and teachers in Scoil Lorcáin. But Callum, you were loved by all.
“Everyone in Johnville, in fact everybody in this community is heartbroken. On behalf of all of us, Callum, you are a winner. A dark deed took life from you but your light will shine forever.
“Jayden, a force of love, life and energy came into the world when you were born. Boundless energy, you rarely stayed still. You were full of fun and mischief. Very often you were heard before you were seen.”
Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, spoke about the evils of the drugs trade.
“How heart-wrenching it is to see four coffins before this sacred altar. This entire community and the whole country join in loving solidarity with the family and many friends of Phil, Kim, Callum and Hayden.”
He added: “Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden had lost their lives as a result of a web of evil which is the drugs trade.
“Four beautiful, innocent lives have been taken. Two loving, devoted parents who did the best for their children, and their two sons – all innocent victims of a web of evil which is the drugs trade.
“As a country, we have not really faced up to this problem and it is a fact that in every city, town, village and townland harmful drugs are available.”
He added that anyone who thinks “that there is no harm in taking a line of cocaine on the weekend is utterly mistaken and is also feeding this evil machine.”
