A special balloon release ceremony was held in honour of the four people who tragically died in a house fire in Waterford this week.
This was held in honour of Kim and Philip English, along with their sons, 12 year old Callum, and nine year old Jayden, with a special vigil taking place at the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly. Prayers were also held in honour of the other two children, aged 14 and six, who remain in a critical condition at CHI Crumlin.
Speaking to the congregation, Parish Priest, Fr Gerry Chestnutt said: "We may even find words hard to speak, but our emotions can be shown".
He continued: "Each one of us knows that what happened in Birch Avenue... should never, ever have happened.
"An innocent family, preparing for a new day, should have done what they did every day: parents preparing their children for school", he added. "An innocent family taken from our midst in a most horrific and violent way".
"I want to say, even though they're not here, that the persons responsible need to have the courage now to stand up, admit what you did, and face the legal consequences of what you did".
"And I would also say to all here present: if you know anything whatsoever about what happened on Birch Avenue, please contact An Garda Síochána".
The balloon raising ceremony took place along Birchwood, as family members sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone' through a web of tears as hundreds of balloons were released.
Fr Chestnutt added that this service was organised so people could stand in solidarity with the English family.
He also confirmed that books of condolences were also left at Sacred Heart Chruch, which also opened its doors earlier in the mornings and closing later in the evenings, until the funerals of each of the English family have taken place.
The Parish Priest added that this was an innocent family who went to bed one night in order to get up the next morning and bring their children to school, but instead are going to be brought to the church for their funeral masses.
Elsewhere, the Bishop for Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan said that many people will be seeking answers as this tragedy has affected so many people here and beyond, while calling the arson attack a "mindless and dreadful crime".
He added that people in the parish and beyond will stand in solidarity with the English family. (All quotes in this piece according to RTÉ).
Elsewhere, the son of a man murdered alongside his wife and two of their children in this attack, had claimed the family was targeted over a €20,000 drugs debt owed by someone else. More on this here.
