The local parish priest in Newcastle, Co Dublin has said that a "darkness" has come over the community following the tragic death of Conor, Darragh and Carla McGinley.
The bodies of Conor, nine, Darragh, seven and Carla, three, were found at their family home in Parson’s Court in Newcastle village, in south Co Dublin near Rathcoole, on Friday evening, January 24.
Post-mortem examinations on the bodies of the three young children were completed yesterday.
But the interim results of the postmortem examinations on the children will not be published for operational reasons, said gardai, who are awaiting further toxicology results.
Prayers were said yesterday for the three young children during mass St Finian’s Church.
A number of young children preparing for the First Holy Communion were attending the mass with their families.
Fr Kevin Doherty, co-parish priest at St Finian’s, told a packed congregation that a “darkness” had come to the parish and the community this week.
Prayers were offered for the McGinley youngsters, who Fr Doherty referred “three very special children from our parish”.
A book of condolence has also been opened at the church.
Speaking outside after mass, Fr Doherty told RTE: “The darkness, it’s so dark, it’s unspeakable.
“Grief, heartbreak, loss. And it affects and touches everybody in this community.”
Fr Doherty added that “out of the darkness, somehow we have to find the light. In the kindness of people, there is light”.
Gardai, who previously said the deaths were not believed to be of natural causes, are expected to launch a triple murder investigation within days.
No arrests have been made in relation to the matter.
Gardai last night remained waiting to speak with a woman in her 40s, who is believed to be the mother of the young children.
On Friday night in a “disorientated” state nearby and was taken to Tallaght University Hospital, where she continued to receive medical treatment yesterday.
A note reading, “Don’t go upstairs… call 999” was reportedly found on the window sill at the house.
Gardai believe the children were living with their mother at the property, which is in a quiet cul-de-sac.
Their devastated father, Andrew McGinley, released a photo of himself with his three children through the gardai on Saturday.
A garda family liaison officer has been appointed and is in contact with Mr McGinley and the extended family.
Yesterday , the house remained sealed off while the Garda Technical Bureau continued their examinations of the scene.
Meanwhile, local children and families are to be provided with counselling support as they struggle to come to terms with the heartbreaking tragedy.
The gardai are working with the South Dublin Children and Young People’s Service Committee (CYPSC) to provide the counselling and family support services to the local community.
