TWO brothers who tragically died at their family home on Sunday will be buried together tomorrow.

Brandon Skeffington (9) was fatally stabbed at his home by his older brother Shane (20) who then took his own life last Sunday.

The double tragedy left the small rural community of Banada, Tourlestrane in Co Sligo stunned. Friends and family have been supporting the boys' parents, Shane and Carmel, and siblings, Sharon (15) and three-year-old Callum.

The grieving family had been staying with relatives since the tragedy as their family home was sealed off for a garda technical examination.

The bodies of the two brothers were released to the family yesterday. The funeral will take place at St Attracta's Church in Tourlestane at 10.30am. It is expected that both boys will then be laid to rest in the nearby Rue cemetery.

Community

A huge crowd is expected to attend the double funeral for the brothers, who were extremely close.

As the tiny rural community prepares for the funerals, local parish priest Fr John Glynn said parishioners were still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

"There is a sadness and it will be there for a long time but we will adjust. People have to go back to their routines," he added.

A post-mortem revealed that nine-year-old Brandon died after being stabbed in the chest by his older brother, Shane, who then hanged himself in the shed behind the family home.

Gardai believe that Shane, who had battled drug problems in recent months and spent some time in St Columba's psychiatric unit earlier this year, attacked Brandon with a knife after a row broke out between them over a video game.

The tragic scene was discovered by the boys parents after they returned home a few hours later.

hnews@herald.ie