Funeral details announced for three members of Louth family murdered in their home

"In a death notice, the family have requested that donations be made to The Hub Praxis Care in Drogheda and Drogheda ABACUS School in lieu of sending flowers. It is to "reflect Mark and Louise's care and generosity to others and the inspiration to many that Evan had become in his short but full life". The family has also asked the mourners to wear odd socks in the run-up to and during the funeral in honour of "one of Evan's individualistic traits"."

"Mark was described as a "cherished member" of the local running club, North East Runners Dundalk, who was "well known for his love of running", the death notice reads. He was also "passionately working for disability advocacy" throughout his career. Meanwhile, Louise "was known by all as kind" and spent many years working as a nurse. She also volunteered in the community, "being a valued member of the Ardee Local Vocals singing group"."

"Their son, Evan, was "cherished by all who knew him in the community, during his time at ABACUS School in Drogheda and the Praxis Hub Network in Drogheda". Three members of the O'Connor family are survived by Cian and Robert. They are also "dearly missed by Cian's fiancé, Shauna, and her family, the O'Connor and Doherty families and many friends". The violent deaths from one family have had a "traumatic impact" on the local community, Ardee and Mid-Louth Cllr John Sheridan said this week. Robert O'Connor (31) appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court on Tuesday evening. He was charged with the murder of his parents and brother"

Mark O'Connor (54), Louise Doherty O'Connor (56) and their son Evan O'Connor (27), who had additional needs, were found dead at their rural home in Drumgowna outside Tallanstown. A joint funeral mass is scheduled for 11am on Tuesday in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dundalk, followed by private cremations. The family requested donations to The Hub Praxis Care and Drogheda ABACUS School in lieu of flowers and asked mourners to wear odd socks in honour of Evan. Mark was active in local running and disability advocacy; Louise worked as a nurse and volunteered locally. Three family members survive, and Robert O'Connor (31) has been charged.

Read at Irish Independent