The retired principal of Barefield National School in Co Clare has said he is heartbroken by the news of the deaths of three people in a shooting in Co Fermanagh yesterday.
Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her two children, 14-year-old James Rutledge and 13-year-old Sara Rutledge were shot in their home in Maguiresbridge.
Ms Whyte was originally from Barefield, Co Clare.
John Burns said nobody in the local parish in Clare could understand what had happened, and that it was tragic and unbelievable.
He had met her recently at a GAA match and had a lovely chat with her.
"I taught Vanessa and all her family and I know her parents very well, Mary and her husband Joe who passed away in recent years."
Mr Burns said he wasn't surprised that she had gone on to have a career as a vet as she had been someone who was "full of inquiry."
"Vanessa was a fantastic pupil. Highly intelligent, very bright, full of fun, full of energy. She kept me busy and she excelled on the GAA pitch. She was brilliant for the school teams, for the parish and we're all heartbroken at her tragic loss and her two beautiful children as well."
He said he remembered her being part of the table quiz team for the school, bringing in the County title for the school.
"She was always interested in study, very caring, loved animals, so I'm not surprised that she became a vet."
Mr Burns said his thoughts and prayers were with Vanessa's mother, her sisters, her two brothers. I'm absolutely devastated, as is the whole parish."
But he said it was a great parish that had come together during sad times and "we will offer all our support to Mary, her mother, a wonderful woman... We will be there for them and offer as much support as we can."
'We are at a loss'
The parish priest of Doora-Barefield in Co Clare has said the local community there is "devastated beyond belief" following the deaths of three people in a shooting in Co Fermanagh yesterday.
Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her two children, 14-year-old James Rutledge and 13-year-old Sara Rutledge were shot in their home in Maguiresbridge.
Ms Whyte was originally from Barefield, Co Clare.
Fr Tom Fitzpatrick said: "We are at a loss in terms of trying to comprehend this."
He said he had been speaking to a number of people in the parish where the family is well known.
Ms Whyte's mother and one of her brothers still live in the area, while another sibling is understood to be travelling home from Australia following the tragedy.
Fr Fitzpatrick said Doora-Barefield is a "fantastic and closely knit community".
"What we can't say with words, we will certainly say with our hands and hearts and in showing our strength over the next few days."
He said Ms Whyte, a veterinary surgeon, had established herself in Fermanagh, where she had helped develop hurling and other sports.
He described her mother as "a pillar of the local community and church".
Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy said he is "deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news".
In a statement, he said: "While we do not know all the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, I am very aware that the news is causing deep distress in the community of Co Fermanagh and beyond.
"I assure the family of the deceased, and everyone affected by this tragedy, of my prayers and assure them of the prayerful support of the wider community.
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'Absolutely devastating' - Mayor of Ennis
Mayor of Ennis, Fine Gael Councillor, Mary Howard said everyone in Doora-Barefield was devastated by the news.
"It's just it's devastating, absolutely devastating. There's no two ways to describe it.
"It's heartbreaking for the family concerned and for Vanessa's wide circle of friends. She went to school here locally. The community will rally around and support the family and support her loved ones.
"The family would be well known here, and anyone I spoke to today is just absolutely gutted at this tragic news. It's devastating, and it's not what you expect to hear in a town like this," she said.
Ms Whyte was a member of the Veterinary Services an Animal Health Group at Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
DAERA Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey said Ms Whyte was a hugely respected member of the veterinary profession who will be greatly missed by all who worked alongside her.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of her and her children in these tragic circumstances," she said in a statement.
Chief Veterinary Office Brian Dooher also paid tribute to Ms Whyte, who he described as a "devoted mother" who was "hugely admired by all those who came across her".
He said: "The loss we feel today is immense and it has profoundly affected us.
"The next few days, weeks and months will be difficult for all who knew her - especially her family. We are thinking of her family, friends and neighbours at this time and we ask that people give everyone the time and space to come to terms with their loss at this difficult time."
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