Thousands of mourners come together for funeral of innocent family who were killed in 'act of evil' arson attack

Thousands of mourners have come together for the funeral of an innocent family who were killed in an 'act of evil' arson attack in Ireland. 

Philip and Kim English, along with sons Callum, 12, and nine-year-old Jayden, tragically died after their home was targeted in Waterford on Tuesday, October 13.

Two other children - aged six and 14 - remain critically ill in hospital following the attack, which was reported shortly after 5am at the property on the Birchwood Estate.

A man and a woman appeared at Clonmel District Court on Saturday charged in connection with the incident, which Gardaí (Irish police) currently believe to be linked to drug debt intimidation.

On Monday, a funeral Mass was held for the family at the Sacred Heart Church in Waterford, where hundreds gathered to pay their condolences and thousands more watched online. 

You'll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers was played as the coffins were led from the church to Kilbarry Cemetery, as visibly upset onlookers gathered around.

Parish priest, Father Gerry Chestnutt, said it was a day of 'unbelievable grief and sadness' for the family, the community in Waterford and the entire nation.

He said an 'act of total evil' left a family and community devastated and heartbroken.

'I acknowledge, on behalf of all, our gratitude that the first responders did everything possible to save the lives of the family,' Fr Chestnutt said.

'On Tuesday morning, a force of darkness organised, came in the dark and devastated a family, taking away four innocent lives.

'What comforting words can find this day? Maybe no words, but your presence here says so much. For the families, you have received in so many ways an outpouring of love and support, which you can be assured will continue this day on.'

At the church altar, the white coffins of Callum and Jayden were flanked by their parents' coffins.

The Bishop for Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, described it as 'heart-wrenching' to see four coffins on the altar.

'Four beautiful innocent lives have been taken. Two loving, devoted parents who did their best for their children,' he said.

'Innocent victims of a web of evil, which is the drug trade. Up and down this dear land of ours, some people are turning to drugs.

'Young lives and the lives of the not so young are being destroyed by drugs, and those who work behind the scenes need to see the consequences of their dark trade and atone for their sin.'  

'I do not come to judge,' he added. 'I come to ask you all to join me in saying, this must stop.'

Paying tribute to the family and community in the Waterford area, Fr Chestnutt described them as the 'salt of the earth'.

'For you, of course, the English and Companjen families, these days have been devastating. The love and support of this community to you is guaranteed in a way etched in stone,' he said. 

'We know that you're hardworking. Philip, Kim and the children were a regular family, great parents for their children. And as parents, their principal focus was always on their children.'

Fr Chestnutt described the children as loved by all who knew them. 

'Philip English – the photographs you've seen sum him up. There was always a smile on his face,' the priest said. 'He was funny, lovable, sensitive, and caring, family was always in priority.

'Philip and Kim, yes, husband and wife, but companions in life, but a different personality to Philip, vocal, feisty. We all know the most loving, kind, and caring person you could come across. As parents, they adored their children.

'Callum, that mischievous smile. A lovable rogue, you did in your own wonderful way, test and tease the people's patience, family, friends, principal and teachers.

'Jayden, a force of love, life, and energy, bonded into the world when you were born, boundless energy. You rarely stayed still, you were full of fun and mischief. Very often you are heard before you were seen.'

Fr Chestnutt also prayed for the two children in hospital.

President Catherine Connolly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris were represented by their aides-de-camp at the service.

The Irish Government was represented by chief whip Mary Butler and Minister for State John Cummins. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and party colleague David Cullinane were also in attendance.

Kim's sister also spoke during the mass, and said Kim and Philip loved each other unconditionally. She also paid tribute to her nephews, describing them as two 'beautiful boys.'

Philip's cousin also appealed to people to stop using drugs and to ask for help.

He said: 'I also want to mention to the young people in our city that are here today, and I suppose around the country, please walk away from drugs.

'Please ask for help when it comes to addiction. Please ask for help if you've been led down a bad path. Please choose a life. Choose hope. Please, most certainly, choose a future.'

Two people have since appeared in court on charges related to the arson attack.

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 to appear before Waterford District Court on Tuesday.