Probe hope for family of Clodagh

THE entire country was shocked by the terrible events which took place at Alan Hawe’s home in Cavan in August last year and the evidence from yesterday’s inquest will add to the horror.

The hearing heard his wife Clodagh and her three beloved boys died in an unimaginable scene of violence.

Her mother and sister somehow managed to endure the harrowing evidence which left many in Cavan Coroner’s Court in tears.

The only small consolation for Clodagh’s family was the disclosure from assistant state pathologist Dr Michael Curtis that the boys and their mother died quickly.

Since the terrible events of August 29, 2016, her mother Mary Coll and her sister Jacqueline Connolly have borne their suffering and grief with dignity and fortitude.

Relaying the events which led up to the finding of the bodies, Mrs Coll told how she knew that Alan Hawe had “done something terrible” and killed his wife and children.

While the coroner’s court cannot apportion blame, it is hoped the evidence will shed some light on how these shocking killings occurred.

Letters left by the killer might give some insight into what was on his twisted mind when he killed his own family.

It is hoped the inquest and its verdict will bring some closure for Clodagh’s family.