Hours before her husband murdered her and her three sons, Clodagh Hawe had been planning the family’s next overseas trip.
Her husband, Alan Hawe, killed the whole family using knives and a hatchet before turning the knife on himself in their Ireland home. The attack is believed to have been planned.
Police found the two eldest boys, Liam and Niall, in the first floor bedroom they shared. The youngest son was found in his bedroom, while their mother lay lifeless downstairs.
Alan Hawe had left a handwritten note on the back door, warning whoever entered the house to call the Irish police first. He had also left notes around the house explaining his actions, but not revealing any particularly strong motive.
Now, the family of Clodagh Hawe has spoken out, hoping that this horrifying story will make others aware of the silent nature of domestic violence. Her sister Jacqueline and her mum Mary spoke to Mirror about the incident.
“We strongly believe that we must now be the voices for Clodagh and our wonderful boys.
“In time we will work to highlight domestic violence, especially the silent type where there are no obvious warning signs, just like Clodagh’s situation.
“She had no idea she was in danger. If she had known she would have acted to prevent it and safeguard the boys and herself.
“But this year while she was thinking up ideas for holidays, Alan Hawe was thinking up ideas about how to escape a fall from grace, a tumble from the pedestal he’d placed himself on.
“While Clodagh was planning their future, he was planning her end. While she had thoughts sunshine and fun, he had murder on his mind.
“Clodagh never stood a chance and so the boys never stood a chance. Not once in their lives had they been vulnerable or in danger because Clodagh was just the best mother.
Jacqueline added that the public needs to be more aware of the early signs of domestic violence.
“We need to learn to recognise where dangers lie in the home, see how the desire for control can get out of control and act before it is too late.
“We must be her voice. That evil killer will not silence our beautiful Clodagh. Mam and I will be Clodagh’s voice and we promise you, she WILL be heard.”
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