Two simple white coffins last night marked the reality of the past week's tragic happenings and grim discoveries in the south-east.
The remains of Alan Byrne (10) and Shane Byrne (6) were removed to St Patrick's Church, in Kilkenny, last night, five days after their bodies were recovered from the Wexford coast.
It is understood that the brothers died when their father Stephen drove the family car off Duncannon pier, but his body has not yet been found. Their mother Maeve died after being stabbed at the family home in Cuffesgrange early last week. They will be buried alongside her grave today.
Many children were among the hundreds of mourners who packed St Patrick's Church for the removal.
Father Dan Carroll PP said the mourners were heartbroken at the recent deaths and were present to show respect for Alan and Shane and to help the families carry their cross.
However, he highlighted recent coverage by some elements of the media and said these newspapers had increased the hurt and sadness felt by both families. Father Carroll said he spoke on behalf of both families when he criticised the role of the media in this "painful event".
He called on journalists covering last night's removal and today's funeral "to uphold the families' right to bury their children with respect and dignity" and he urged them to carry this message to their editors.
The mourners were led by the late Mrs Byrne's mother, Mai, and her daughter, Ann, and Mr Stephen Byrne's father, Mick, and his daughter, Josephine, and son Paul.
The assembled clergy included Bishop Laurence Forristal as well as Mgr Martin Campion from Cuffesgrange parish.
Father Carroll said the tragedy that had unfolded in their midst was incomprehensible and had left people speechless. He urged the congregation to find consolation in the words of God.
Pointing to the gospel, which said that God knew every hair on our heads, he said there was no need to fear for Alan and Shane. "The hands in which Alan and Shane are now enfolded are the mighty but gentle hands of God," he said.
He said people must not believe God to be indifferent because he did not prevent such a tragedy.
He prayed that the families and friends of Alan and Shane would find the strength to understand and accept God's will in their lives.
