Deputy State pathologist Dr Michael Curtis will carry out post-mortem examinations on the Hawe family of Ballyjamesduff today.
Alan Hawe, his wife Clodagh and their three children Liam (13), Niall (11) and Ryan (6) were found dead in their bungalow home in Oakdene, Barconey yesterday morning in a suspected murder-suicide.
Mr Hawe was a vice principal at Castlerahan National School, where his sons Niall and Ryan attended as pupils. Clodagh Hawe was also a teacher and worked at Oristown National School.
Gardaí are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths. Speaking to the media yesterday, Assistant Commissioner Jack O’Driscoll said:
“We believe all the answers are within that house.”
“The most likely scenario is that one person in that house may have caused the death of others.”
Principal Ann O Kelly Lynch described her as a “much loved and valued” teacher who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
“Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been providing support and advice to us.” she added.
Reports say a note was found pinned to the family’s front door, advising any visitor to contact Gardaí before entering the house. When a family member contacted Gardaí, the grim discovery was made.
The children were found upstairs, while the bodies of their parents were discovered in separate rooms on the ground floor of the house. It is believed their injuries were caused by a knife and a number of items have been removed for forensic analysis.
A timeline of the family’s movements on Sunday puts them at Castlerahan GAA Club, where Mr Hawe was treasurer, enjoying a football match together in the afternoon. On Sunday night the children were spotted playing outside their home.
A close friend of the family told the Irish Independent that the Hawes had lived in the area for more than 10 years. “They were well respected around here,” said one neighbour. “We just cannot believe something like this has happened in our little village.”
If you or anyone you know is affected by this story, free-phone the Samaritans now on 116 123.
Main image: Irish Examiner
