Funeral for Mark, Louise and Evan O'Connor to take place this morning as tributes pour in nationwide

The funerals of Mark, Louise and Evan O'Connor are taking place this morning at St Patrick's Church in Dundalk, Co. Louth.

The bodies of Mark (54), Louise (56), and their son Evan (27) were discovered at the family's home last week. Fr Gerry Campbell, parish administrator for Louth, will lead the joint funeral Mass, joined by clergy from surrounding parishes.

At a candlelit vigil held in their memory, Fr Campbell said the tragedy had "sent ripples of grief across our parish and across this land."

The family has asked that, instead of flowers, donations be made to The Hub Praxis Care in Drogheda and Drogheda Abacas School, reflecting Mark and Louise's compassion and the inspiration Evan brought to others.

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Mourners have also been invited to wear odd socks in honour of one of Evan's "individualistic traits."Tributes have poured in from those who knew the family. Staff at Praxis Care, where Evan attended for nine years, described him as "a bright shining star," while Drogheda Abacas Special School remembered Mark and Louise as "founder parents" and Evan as one of its first two pupils.

A private cremation will follow this morning's Mass.

Last week, Robert O'Connor (31), of Drumgowna, Louth Village, appeared before Drogheda District Court charged with three counts of murder. The court heard he has been under the care of mental health services since the age of 22, and a request was made for a psychiatric assessment.