A heartbreaking case has come to a close as Lynn Eagar, a 49-year-old woman from Winetown, Rathowen, Co Westmeath, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her two young children. Eagar, in a barely audible whisper, pleaded guilty to the murders of five-year-old Thelma Dennany and her two-year-old brother Michael.

The chilling incident occurred on September 9 of last year when Eagar set fire to the car in which her children were sitting in Lackan, Multyfarnham. Fortunately, a passer-by managed to rescue Eagar from the passenger seat, and she suffered only minimal burns.

During the trial at the Central Criminal Court, a statement written by Michael Dennany, the children’s father, was read aloud by Detective Inspector Thomas Quinn. Mr. Dennany expressed the immense joy he felt when his two children were born, describing the moments as the happiest days of his life. Holding Thelma for the first time was a mixture of fear and happiness, and he cherished the bond between the siblings.

Tragically, the day of their deaths was meant to be a special one for the family. Mr. Dennany had planned to collect chestnuts with his children after school, a cherished activity they would never get to experience together.

In his statement, Mr. Dennany expressed his grief and regret, feeling a profound sense of responsibility for not being able to protect his children when they needed him the most. He described his home, once full of noise, toys, and love, now filled only with heartache and despair. He had hoped to witness his children’s milestones, imagining a future where he would see them through school and, perhaps, even see them married. The only solace he has now is knowing that Thelma and Michael are together forever.

Eager also expressed remorse in a letter read aloud by her barrister, Sean Gillane SC. She apologised for the pain, horror, and suffering she had caused her family and her two “gorgeous children.” Eager admitted that there were other paths she could and should have taken, and she is filled with regret.

After hearing the statements and considering the gravity of the crimes committed, Mr. Justice Paul McDermott imposed a life sentence for each of the two murders. He expressed his condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy and to all those who loved and cherished Thelma and Mikey.