Wrapped in the arms of love

Hundreds gather in memory of tragic Vanessa, James and Sara | School head pays tribute to popular students who loved sport

- BY REBECCA BLACK and GRAINNE NI AODHA

HUNDREDS of people gathered for a community vigil in memory of a woman and her two teenage children who died following a shooting in Co Fermanagh.

People wrapped their arms around each other as they remembered Vanessa Whyte, 45, a vet originally from Co Clare, her son James, 14, and daughter Sara, 13.

The vigil was organised by a community group and held at the primary school, Maguiresbridge Primary School, where James and Sara previously attended.

A book of condolence, set up next to a framed photo of the family and surrounded by white flowers and candles, was also opened at the school.

The principal of Maguiresbridge Primary School, Honor Irvine, described both James and Sara as popular pupils who loved sport.

"I'm a teaching principal so I taught them both for two years," she said.

"James was full of fun, always laughing, loved to get a laugh, loved to be outdoors.