BRIAN HENNESSY FROM CO KILKENNY SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS FOR MURDERING FAMILY IN WINDGAP

In a tragic and devastating case that shocked the community of Windgap, County Kilkenny, Brian Hennessy was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences for the brutal murders of Sharon Whelan and her two young daughters. The heinous crime took place on Christmas Day of the previous year, leaving a trail of grief and horror that would linger in the memories of all who knew the family.

Hennessy, a postman residing in Windgap, appeared in court to plead guilty to all three murders, expressing deep remorse for his actions. During the proceedings, he confided to gardai that his motive was rooted in a desire to prevent his girlfriend from discovering that he had engaged in sexual relations with Sharon Whelan. His chilling admission included a detailed account of the murder, where he stated, "I just strangled her with my two hands around her neck," and confirmed that the killing occurred in the living room of the Whelan family home.

The court heard that the murders occurred at the family’s residence near Windgap, specifically at Roscon. The victims included Sharon Whelan, aged 30, and her two daughters, Zara, aged seven, and Nadia, aged two. After the killing, Hennessy set fire to the house in an attempt to destroy evidence and conceal his involvement. The inferno resulted in the tragic deaths of all three family members, with the children succumbing in the blaze.

DNA evidence played a crucial role in linking Hennessy to the crime scene. Despite only having a passing acquaintance with the Whelan family, forensic analysis confirmed his presence at the house. Hennessy recounted that he found the children asleep when he brought Sharon Whelan’s body into the bedroom, describing his emotional state as one of confusion and sadness. He expressed remorse, saying, "I sat on the bed. I didn’t know what to do," and reflected on the tragedy of the children losing their mother on Christmas Day.

Hennessy admitted to setting two fires but claimed he was primarily worried about the murder itself, not the children. He stated, "I don’t know why I did it," and expressed regret for the pain caused, acknowledging that what he did to the Whelan family was unbearable. His words conveyed a sense of remorse and helplessness, as he said, "I will never be able to cope with this so God help them," and repeatedly apologized for his actions.

Judge Barry White sentenced Hennessy to two consecutive life terms for the murders of Sharon Whelan and her daughter Nadia, and a third concurrent life sentence for the killing of seven-year-old Zara. The judge emphasized the profound devastation inflicted upon the family and the community, highlighting that Hennessy deliberately set fire to the house knowing that the young girls were inside. The court also reflected on the timing of the crime, noting that Christmas is traditionally a time of joy and family celebration, making the loss even more poignant. The judge remarked that Hennessy had deprived the children of the excitement of discovering Santa’s presents and robbed their mother of witnessing their joy.

Prosecutor Tom O’Connell informed the court that the State chose not to proceed with three other charges on the indictment, as Hennessy had pleaded not guilty to the most serious of those. A jury, consisting of one woman and eleven men, was sworn in to hear the case. Detective Sergeant Jim Lyng provided details that Sharon Whelan was last seen alive around 11 pm on Christmas Eve, when her foster father, Christy Whelan, dropped off gifts for the children. To avoid disturbing the children, Christy parked away from the house and only approached the door.

The following morning, neighbors discovered the Whelan farmhouse engulfed in flames. Firefighters recovered the bodies from a bedroom at the back of the house. Post-mortem examinations revealed that Sharon Whelan died from strangulation, with her body showing no signs of a prolonged struggle, while her daughters died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by smoke inhalation. The forensic analysis confirmed that DNA from Hennessy matched that found on Sharon Whelan’s body.

Hennessy was arrested on January 15 at his home in Windgap. During police interviews, he initially denied involvement but later admitted to being at the scene. He claimed that Sharon Whelan had brought him into the bedroom where her children were sleeping, turned on the light, and engaged in sexual activity with him. In subsequent interviews, Hennessy confessed to killing Sharon Whelan, explaining that his motive was fear that she would reveal their relationship, which he believed would lead to his girlfriend discovering his affair. He denied that his actions were motivated by a desire to prevent her from revealing that he had raped her, insisting instead that his primary concern was the fear of exposure.

The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Windgap and Co Kilkenny, with the tragic loss of innocent lives on a day that is typically associated with happiness and family unity. The court’s sentencing reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the profound impact on the victims’ loved ones, who continue to mourn the devastating loss of Sharon Whelan and her children.