"Shocked", "devastated" and "numb" are the feelings being echoed in the townland of Drumgowna, Co Louth today following the discovery of three bodies this morning, all members of one family.
The roads approaching the pretty stone cottage where the family has lived for more than 20 years were closed to traffic all day.
Garda forensic officers could be seen examining the property and a tent was erected on the driveway.
Some neighbours visited the scene, standing forlornly at the crime tape preventing access to the cottage, while others gathered at their gates still in shock at the news which began filtering out this morning.
One couple, who preferred not to be identified, said they were "numb" as they stood in their driveway looking out across the field at the house where tragedy unfolded.
They first heard that something terrible had happened while at work this morning and rushed home.
They said they were devastated when they heard the husband and wife and their adult son has been killed, describing them as a lovely family .
Another man said he knew the family very well saying "they were great people to talk to, they would do anything for anyone in the area and they were a lovely couple".
He said it is "definitely a huge loss for the community" and he was "so sad so hear about the tragedy".
Two local councillors Rachel Kerley and John Sheridan stood with a large gathering of media at one garda cordon, both remembering canvassing the family in recent times.
Cllr Kerley said the community was in shock and said it's important that everyone supports each other.
Cllr Sheridan said: "We hear of tragic events quite often. We don’t expect them to happen in our own locality. There is a huge degree of shock in the area."
Shortly before 6pm, two hearses drove past the garda cordon carrying the three coffins.
