'The loss of Mark, Louise and Evan has sent ripples of grief across this land,' vigil for O'Connor family hears

"Shock was expressed by the local community after the bodies of the parents and their son, who had additional needs, were found at the family's home in Drumgowna, outside Tallanstown village, on Monday morning. Warm tributes have been paid to all three and the impact they made, including Mr O'Connor's work for disability advocacy and Mrs O'Connor's as a nurse, while Evan was described as cherished by all who knew him. Flowers and messages expressing condolences have been laid outside the garda cordon."

"Hundreds of people turned out at Stonetown Community Walking Track on Wednesday evening to remember them. Prayers were led by Father Gerry Campbell, who described the community carrying a sorrow too heavy for words, adding that in a "quiet and tranquil corner of Co Louth, the loss of Mark, Louise and Evan has sent ripples of grief across our parish and across this land and into the hearts of all who have heard their story". Hymns were also sung by those gathered."

Mark O'Connor (54), his wife Louise (56) and their son Evan (27) were found dead at their home in Drumgowna outside Tallanstown on Monday morning. The local community expressed shock and laid flowers and messages outside the garda cordon. Warm tributes acknowledged Mark's disability advocacy work, Louise's nursing career, and Evan as a cherished son with additional needs. Hundreds gathered at Stonetown Community Walking Track for prayers and hymns, led by Father Gerry Campbell and attended by Archbishop Eamon Martin. Robert O'Connor (31) appeared at Drogheda District Court charged with three counts of murder.

Read at Irish Independent