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Monday 23/02/2026

Tragic Shooting in Northern Ireland Leaves Mother and Two Children Dead

Village in Northern Ireland mourning after a tragic shooting
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A mother and her two children were killed in a shooting in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, with a man from the same household seriously injured.
  • The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a murder investigation, considering a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide.
  • The incident has deeply affected the local community, with political leaders expressing condolences and urging against speculation.
  • Emergency services responded swiftly, with the injured man transported to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
  • The victims were active members of local Gaelic Athletic Association clubs, highlighting the tragedy's impact on the community.

A devastating shooting in the quiet village of Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, has claimed the lives of a mother and her two children, leaving a community in mourning. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, also left a man from the same household seriously injured and receiving treatment at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Investigation Underway

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has initiated a murder investigation, with Superintendent Robert McGowan confirming that detectives are "working at pace" to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The incident is being treated as a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide, although no arrests have been made. McGowan noted that the suspect had a "limited footprint" with police and a "limited domestic history."

Community in Shock

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the rural community, with local leaders and politicians expressing their condolences. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly released a joint statement, expressing their deep sadness and thanking emergency services for their swift response. Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen urged the public to refrain from speculating on the details of the incident, while Democratic Unionist Party assembly member Deborah Erskine described the community as "deeply affected."

Emergency Response

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a call at 8:21 am and dispatched multiple vehicles and an air ambulance to the scene. Despite their efforts, two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The PSNI and ambulance staff worked together to provide first aid upon arrival.

Impact on Local Organizations

The victims were beloved members of local Gaelic Athletic Association clubs, with St Mary's Maguiresbridge Gaelic Football Club offering heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those lost. The tragedy has left a profound impact on the community, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As the investigation unfolds, the PSNI will continue to explore the circumstances leading up to the shooting, with a focus on understanding any underlying domestic issues. The community's response highlights the importance of support networks in times of crisis, and local leaders may push for increased resources for mental health and domestic violence prevention. Politically, the incident could prompt discussions on gun control and community safety measures in Northern Ireland, as leaders seek to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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