Family of four killed in Waterford petrol‑bomb attack remembered at Mass

Four coffins, including two unusually small ones, were placed beneath flickering candles as the English family were honoured at a requiem Mass in Waterford.

Philip and Kim English and their sons, Callum, 12, and Jayden, 9, died when their home was petrol‑bombed at about 5 am last Tuesday, trapping them inside as the fire spread. Gardaí have launched a murder investigation.

At Sacred Heart Church, parish priest Fr Gerry Chestnutt described the deaths as “an act of total evil” and praised the family as “the salt of the earth and lights” in their community. He paid tribute to each member, noting Philip’s caring nature, Kim’s feisty yet loving personality, Callum’s “mischievous smile” and Jayden’s boundless energy.

Personal items were laid on the coffins: a Minecraft T‑shirt on Jayden, a Johnville FC jersey on Callum, white lilies on Kim, and a Liverpool FC jersey with a can of beer on Philip.

Politicians attending included Chief Whip Mary Butler, Minister of State John Cummins, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Waterford TD David Cullinane, with aides‑de‑camp for Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly. Senior Gardaí, led by Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit, were also present.

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, condemned the “dark trade” of drugs that he said is destroying communities across the country, urging those involved to face the consequences.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Dang Dao / Pexels.