Mourners hear of '˜horror of evil' at Connie Leonard funeral

Concepta ‘Connie’ Leonard was fatally attacked at her home in the Maguiresbridge area.

Her 30-year-old son Conor, who has Down’s Syndrome, also suffered stab wounds in an assault police are treating as attempted murder.

The man thought to have been responsible for the bloodshed, Concepta’s ex-partner Peadar Phair, is dead; it is believed he committed suicide at the scene.

Connie’s funeral is taking place at St Mary’s Church in Brookeborough this morning.

In a heartbreaking homily, Fr Brendan Gallagher recounts how Concepta Leonard’s son Conor “cared for and protected” his mother during the brutal attack.

Fr Gallagher said: “These past few days have been a great challenge to the faith of this family, this community. Because on Monday afternoon in the light of a Mayday evil intent visited this peaceful community. Evil lurking in the shadow, seeking to destroy life. But in that moment of madness, Conor cared for and protected his mum. We see him holding her hand to reassure her and we see him finding the courage and confidence to seek help.

“That is the reality, the horror of evil intent. But since that time, this family, this community have stood in the light, to confront, to overcome the dark shadows that seek to destroy life.”