Funeral mass for Waterford family killed in arson to be held today

The funeral mass for Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine, is scheduled for this afternoon in Waterford.

The family were killed when their home on the Birchwood estate was set alight on Tuesday. Two other children, aged six and 14, remain in critical condition in hospital.

The coffins were taken to Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, where they lay in repose for relatives, friends and members of the community. Four hearses arrived at the church and, after the bell tolled, the coffins were carried inside.

Parish priest Father Gerry Chestnutt will lead the mass at 1 pm, after which the family will be interred in Kilbarry Cemetery.

President Catherine Connolly will be represented by her aide‑de‑camp, and the Government will be represented by Chief Whip Mary Butler. Several local businesses are expected to close as a mark of respect.

Two suspects, Cian Stacey, 21, and Jessica Dalton, 31, appeared at a special sitting of Clonmel District Court on Saturday, charged with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm. Both were remanded in custody pending a hearing at Waterford District Court on Tuesday.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels.