DEVASTATION: Waterford City unites in final farewell to English family
Paddy English touches the coffin of his grandson Callum as the remains of Philip and Kim English, and their children Callum and Jayden are carried to their final resting place. Photo: Joe Evans
In a church filled with heartbreak, four coffins stood as a devastating reminder of lives loved, lives cherished, and lives lost far too soon.
Philip, Kim, 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden English were remembered with tears, prayers and profound affection at the Sacred Heart Church in The Folly on Monday as Waterford gathered to bid a final farewell to a family whose loss has shaken the city to its core.
There was scarcely standing room inside the church as hundreds came together in grief and solidarity, determined that the family would be carried to their final resting place surrounded by the love of the community they called home.
The four coffins rested side by side before the altar, two white coffins for the children, a sight that reduced many to tears as mourners struggled to comprehend a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on Waterford and beyond.
Chief Celebrant Fr Gerry Chestnutt was joined by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Monsignor Pat Fitzgerald, Fr John Harris and Fr Jomon Kakkanattu Varkey. The scale of the tragedy was reflected in the breadth of those who came to pay their respects.
Representing the State were Commander Colm Campbell, Aide-de-Camp to President Catherine Connolly, and Lieutenant Cian Cassidy, Aide-de-Camp to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Political representatives from across the political spectrum were also in attendance, including Ministers Mary Butler and John Cummins, Deputies David Cullinane and Conor D. McGuinness, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Liam Brazil and Metropolitan Mayor Cllr Lola O’Sullivan, Sean McKeown, CEO of Waterford City and County Council, and other councillors. Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit and Superintendent Gavin Hegarty represented An Garda Síochána.
Yet inside the church, titles and positions mattered little. Public figures sat alongside grieving neighbours, schoolchildren, teachers, teammates and lifelong friends, united in sorrow for a family whose loss has touched every corner of the community.
Poignant symbols reflecting the lives of each family member were brought to the altar by those who loved them most.
Philip’s heartbroken father, Paddy, carried a Liverpool jersey and a can of Carlsberg. Kim’s brother, Ronan, brought lilies in memory of his sister. Jayden’s aunt, Jackie, placed a Minecraft T-shirt and toy alongside his small white coffin, while Callum’s Johnville coach, Alex O’Sullivan, carried a Johnville jersey in honour of the talented young footballer.
Among those in attendance were Callum’s teammates from Johnville, dressed proudly in their club colours, while first-year students from St Paul’s Community College sat together in quiet reflection. Principals and teachers from Scoil Lorcáin, St Paul’s Community College, St Joseph’s Special School and Presentation Secondary School, the schools attended by the English children, formed a guard of honour.
In his opening remarks, Fr Chestnutt acknowledged the profound grief felt throughout Waterford.
“Four lives taken in a senseless act,” he said. "And of course, while we mourn the dead, we keep in our hearts and prayers Nadia and Elliot, who remain critically ill in Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
“Great darkness came over not just the Birchwood Estate but this community of the Sacred Heart last Tuesday morning.
“You grieve because you love. You remember because you love. And you always will remember Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden.”
He added that while hearts were broken, the spirit of the Sacred Heart community would remain unbroken.
In his homily, Fr Chestnutt spoke of the emotions that have gripped the city since the tragedy.
“The feelings of all are clear: heartbreak, shock, devastation and, yes, anger,” he said.
“What comforting words can we find this day? For the families, you have received in so many ways an outpouring of love and support which, you can be assured, will continue from this day on.”
The parish priest described a household united by love, resilience and devotion.
“Philip was funny, lovable, sensitive and caring. Family always was his priority. Any photograph that you have seen of him sums him up, always smiling.”
Of Kim, he said: “Kim had a different personality to Philip; vocal and feisty, but the most loving, kind and caring person.”
Together, he said, they faced every challenge side by side.
“As parents, they adored their children. Their life as a family was a journey of love. Through all of that they were completely united and dedicated.”
Fr Chestnutt then turned his attention to the children.
“Callum, that mischievous smile. The photograph put up by Johnville Football Club is him. The winner’s medal placed between his teeth. A lovable rogue.
“You tested the patience of family, friends, principal and teachers in Scoil Lorcáin. But Callum, you were loved by all. Everyone in Johnville, in fact everybody in this community is heartbroken. A dark deed took life from you but your light will shine forever.”
Remembering Jayden, he described a child who brought joy and energy wherever he went.
“Jayden, a force of love, life and energy came into the world when you were born. Boundless energy, you rarely stayed still. You were full of fun and mischief. Very often you were heard before you were seen.
“Life was never dull at home, in the Birchwood Estate or at St Joseph’s School when you were around, but you were adored by all.”
Fr Chestnutt described Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden as a “beautiful family” who had touched countless lives.
“We are better people for knowing you, for you were the salt of the earth and lights in this community,” he said.
The most emotional moments of the funeral came when family members stepped forward to remember those they had lost.
Fighting back tears, Kim’s sister, Charlene Companjen, said: “Well, Kim, you were everything and more that a sister could ask for... You cared so much about everyone around you... It hurts knowing that I’ll never see or talk to you again, but I have 22 years of memories I will always cherish.”
There were further tears when Philip’s cousin, Raymond Power, addressed the congregation, with a special message of support for Philip's father Paddy.
“We just want to say as a family, we love you, Paddy. You’re the glue of this family, always there for all of us. Your little Nissan Micra, bringing your sisters and your brothers to appointments and always checking in on us. Now we’re here for you, Paddy.”
Raymond also used the occasion to make a powerful appeal to young people.
“Please walk away from drugs. Please ask for help with addiction. Please ask for help if you’re being led down a bad path. Please choose a life, choose hope and please most certainly choose a future.”
Before the final commendation, Bishop Cullinan addressed the congregation.
“How heart-wrenching it is to see four coffins before this sacred altar,” he said. “This entire community and the whole country join in loving solidarity with the family and many friends of Phil, Kim, Callum and Jayden.”
The bishop said the deaths highlighted the devastating impact of the drugs trade on communities across Ireland.
“Four beautiful, innocent lives have been taken; two loving, devoted parents who did the best for their children, and their two sons, all innocent victims.”
Throughout the Mass, music provided moments of comfort and reflection.
Sarah Jane Lavery, accompanied by Mark Robinson, performed deeply moving hymns and songs, including You Raise Me Up, In the Arms of an Angel, and Bless Us All from The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Then came the final farewell.
In complete silence, mourners stood as the coffins were carried from the church one by one. Kim first. Then Jayden. Followed by Callum. And finally Philip.
As the opening notes of Liverpool FC anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone filled the Sacred Heart Church, family members clung to one another while tears flowed freely throughout the congregation.
Outside, hundreds lined the route through St John’s Park, the Butler Community Centre and Birchwood Estate, standing shoulder to shoulder in silent tribute as the hearses passed through the community one final time.
For residents of Birchwood in particular, it was a final opportunity to say goodbye to neighbours who had been part of the fabric of everyday life.
At Kilbarry Cemetery, Fr Chestnutt and Bishop Cullinan led the final prayers as Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden were laid to rest together.
As relatives embraced and mourners bowed their heads for one last prayer, the clouds that had hung over Waterford for much of the day briefly parted and sunshine broke through.
On one of the darkest days the city has ever known, it offered a small glimmer of light as Waterford said its final farewell to a family whose loss has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of so many.
