Couple who died in Fermanagh suspected murder-suicide named

Police have named a man and woman who died in an apparent-murder suicide in Co Fermanagh during which the woman’s son was also injured.

Peadar Phair (55) is believed to have murdered his former partner Concepta Leonard (51), at her home on Abbey Road in Maguiresbridge on Monday night.

Ms Leonard’s son Conor (30), who has Down syndrome, was also wounded during the incident and remains in hospital in a stable condition with stab injuries. He is understood to have raised the alarm.

Mr Phair, a labourer from the Lisnaskea area, was treated by emergency services at the scene but died later at South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.

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Police said they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.

The detached house is situated at the top of a hill in a predominately farming community.

“To think that anyone would do that, to hear it so close to home is devastating. It’s heartbreaking to think something like this would happen on our doorstep,” said one family friend outside the house on Tuesday. “I am numb, I can’t think of anything else.”

Ms Leonard, who was a businesswoman and traditional musician, was described by neighbours as “an amazing mother”. Her father is Dinny Leonard, a well-known musician and tutor.

“Everywhere Concepta was Conor was and vice-versa, she would have done anything for him. It breaks my heart to think what he must have witnessed,” said a local woman.

Former Fermanagh and South Tyrone SDLP MLA Richie McPhillips said there was a feeling of “absolute shock” in the village.

“I cannot in any shape or form comprehend the tragic circumstances. I knew both of them, I know the Leonard family very well and went to school with quite a few of the Phair family.

“Connie, as she was known, was a nice girl, she was involved in the catering business in the town, she was a very outgoing girl, and involved in traditional Irish music,” he said.

Local Irish music group Newtownbutler Comhaltas extended their sympathy to the Leonard family saying it would remember Ms Leonard with great fondness for her affection, dedication and energetic outlook shown in all areas of her life.

PSNI detective chief inspector Eamon Corrigan said: “Postmortem examinations will be carried out in due course and at this stage we are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Although our enquiries are at an early stage, we are treating the death of the woman as murder.”

Anyone with information has been asked to contact police.

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