Family Of Five Found Dead Near Ballyjamesduff, Ireland

Police say the deaths of a family of five in County Cavan in Ireland may have been murder-suicide.

The bodies of primary school deputy principal Alan Hawe, who was in his 40s, his wife Clodagh, who was in her 30s and also a teacher, and their three sons were found at the house near Ballyjamesduff.

It is believed the boys - Liam, 13, Niall, 11, and Ryan, six - were discovered upstairs in their bedrooms, while their parents were downstairs at the property in Oakdene Downs in Barconey.

Post-mortem examinations are due to be carried out.

Garda assistant commissioner John O'Driscoll said no-one else was being sought in connection with the deaths.

"We believe all the answers are within that house - so therefore the most likely scenario is that one person in that house may have caused the death of the others," he said.

"All the circumstances will be explored but as it stands at the moment that is the position."

Detectives have found no evidence that a firearm was used.

The property has been sealed off, and a number of objects are being given a "detailed technical examination".

Police are talking to neighbours and family members, but Mr O'Driscoll told reporters there did not appear to be any prior indications.

"Nothing had happened prior to this grim discovery this morning that gave rise to anyone having any suspicion that anything was untoward and this family were engaged with the community and seen yesterday," he said.

"None of the activity and interaction with other people gave rise to any suspicion as to what was to happen."

Mr Hawe worked at Castlerahan National School, while Mrs Hawe taught at Oristown National School in Co Meath.

Local councillor Paddy Smith said: "This has come as complete and utter shock to everybody in the area and everybody who knew the family because they were a very steady, hard working family.

"People are just unable to grasp or comprehend what has happened ... they are shell shocked at this terrible tragedy."

The principal of Castlerahan National School, Anne Foley, said what had happened was "a terrible tragedy for the family, our school and our community.

"Alan was a valued member of our school staff and community.

"Niall and Ryan were pupils in our school and Liam was a past pupil. They were wonderful children who will be greatly missed by all who knew them."

The principal of Oristown National School, Ann O'Kelly Lynch, said: "Clodagh was a much loved and valued teacher in our school and will be greatly missed by all who knew her."