Pope Francis has expressed his ‘deep sadness’ for the victims of the Carrickmines fire.
A letter from the pontiff has been read out at the funerals of five of the victims of the blaze - which has been described as a ‘tragic day’ in Irish history.
Willie Lynch - his partner Tara Gilbert; their children Jodie and Kelsey; and Willie’s brother Jimmy are all being laid to rest today following requiem mass in Co Wicklow.
A cortège of Five hearses and 10 limousines were escorted from Murphy's Funeral Home to the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Bray.
They carried the bodies of 25-year-old Willie Lynch; his 27-year-old partner Tara - who was pregnant at the time of her death; their two girls 4-year-old Kelsey and 9-year-old Jodie; and Willie’s brother, 39-year-old Jimmy.
They are the first five victims of the Carrickmines Fire to be mourned at a funeral mass. The Parish Priest of the Travelling People Fr Derek Farrell says Ireland was rocked by the tragedy. Large crowds of people from Ireland and Great Britain have lined the streets of Bray for the funeral.
President Michael D Higgins is being represented by his aide de camp Colonel Michael Kiernan - and the Taoiseach by Commandant David Foley. While Tánaiste Joan Burton is representing the Government.
Fr Farrell says he hopes the outpouring of support from across the country would have a lasting impact in relations between the travelling and settled communities.
He pointed to Tara and Willie as an example of the love that can thrive between the two communities.
Towards the end of the service a letter from Pope Francis was read out - it said the pontiff expresses his deep sadness over this terrible tragedy. The Holy Father prays especially for those who have died, and he wishes to assure all their family members, their friends, and the whole Traveller community, of his spiritual closeness and sympathy at this very difficult time."
