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The funeral of Kim and Phillip English and their two young sons, 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden, will take place at the Sacred Heart Church in Waterford city this afternoon, following the tragic deaths of all four family members in an arson attack on their home.
The family died after a devastating fire broke out at their house in the Birchwood estate last Tuesday morning. Two other children were also critically injured in the incident and remain a major concern for their loved ones.
The funeral service will be led by parish priest Father Gerry Chestnutt, while Alphonsus Cullinan, the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, is also expected to attend the solemn ceremony to pay his respects to the family.
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President Catherine Connolly will be represented at the funeral by her aide-de-camp. The Government will also be represented, with Chief Whip Mary Butler and Minister of State John Cummins expected to attend the service.
Several businesses across Waterford city will remain closed or shut their doors from midday as a mark of respect for the four victims. Business owners said the decision was made in recognition of the city's grief following the devastating arson attack. They described the closures as a small but meaningful gesture to show solidarity with the family and those affected by the tragedy.
On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered at the Sacred Heart Church to pay their final respects to Kim, Phillip, Callum and Jayden during a period of lying in repose.
The normally busy, built-up area of The Folly fell silent as four hearses carrying the family's coffins arrived at the church, reflecting the deep sadness felt throughout the community.
Members of Johnville Football Club formed a guard of honour to honour the family. Callum had been a member of the local soccer club for the past five years and was part of the under-11 team that won a league title, making his death particularly painful for teammates, coaches and the wider club community.
The four family members will be laid to rest at Kilbarry Cemetery this afternoon, as relatives, friends and members of the public come together to say their final goodbyes.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the arson attack continues. On Saturday, two people appeared before a court charged in connection with the attack on the English family home. The case forms part of the ongoing criminal investigation into the incident that claimed four lives and left two other children critically injured.
The tragedy has left Waterford in mourning, with residents, local businesses and community organisations coming together to express their support for the grieving family and honour the memory of the four victims.
