School to remember gun victims ‘for years to come’

The schoolmates and teachers of two murdered teenagers will feel “the ripple effects of the tragic events for years to come,” their school principal has said.

James and Sara Rutledge were fatally shot alongside their mother, Vanessa Whyte, in a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, on Wednesday.

Sara, who was 13, and her 14-year-old brother James were both pupils at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.

“As a school we are stunned and shocked at the loss of two wonderful young people,” said its principal, Elizabeth Armstrong.

“They were just full of life, they were both such lively and intelligent, funny young people.”

She added: “We’ll remember their academic achievements and their love of sport.

“Sara loved netball and Gaelic and James loved cricket.

“So it’s just a very difficult time and very difficult for everyone to come to terms with.”

A man – who is a member of the same household – is being treated for serious gunshot injuries at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

A book of condolences opened on Friday morning at Maguiresbridge Primary School, where James and Sara previously attended.

A vigil was held in the primary school grounds on Friday evening.

Enniskillen Royal Grammar also opened its doors on Friday for staff and pupils to meet and write in a book of memories about James and Sara.

Ms Armstrong said many of the children’s close friends came in to support each other.

“They just wanted to remember what Sara and James meant to them and it was lovely to hear those memories,” she said.

“Our message to our pupils and families is that we’re here to help, we’re here to listen and we’re here to say there still is hope in coming together.”

The principal added: “We as a school will just remember Sara and James’ warmth and their personalities that shone through.

“So it’s about remembering their joy even in the midst of such sadness and the gift that those young people gave us as a school community.”

Analysis by BBC News NI South West reporter Elaine Mitchell

In what was once their primary school, hundreds of people signed the book of condolences in memory of former pupils James and Sara and their mum Vanessa.

Half a mile away, football jerseys, flowers and a cuddly toy have been left in tribute to them on the Drummeer Road, close to their family home.

Grief hangs over this quiet village like a shadow.

But people in the community do not want this sadness to overcome them.

At the vigil held in the grounds of Maguiresbridge Primary School on Friday night, local people found strength in each other, and they will continue to do so.

The children’s 45-year-old mother was originally from Barefield, County Clare, in the Republic of Ireland.

At the time of her death, Ms Whyte was employed by Stormont’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said she was a “highly respected vet and a work colleague”.

Ms Whyte had previously worked at Lakeland Vets in Derrygonnelly, County Fermanagh, where staff remembered her as a “devoted mum” and a “lovely person”.

Enniskillen Royal Grammar School is setting up a support facility for pupils, parents and staff at its Cooper Crescent site.

In a statement on Thursday, the Western Health Trust said it is working closely with the Education Authority and local community groups to support any children that may be affected by the incident.

A flute band, Defenders of the Rock has cancelled its annual band parade in nearby Lisbellaw on Saturday, in light of the incident.