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Eoghan and Ruairi Chada Garda Press Office

'I'm blessed to have been their mother'

The mother of murdered Eoghan and Ruairí Chada spoke to Pat Kenny today.

THE MOTHER OF murdered Eoghan and Ruairí Chada says that she is “blessed” to have been a mother to her sons.

“I have to be grateful that I have happy memories,” Kathleen Chada told the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk today.

She described her eldest son Eoghan as “self-aware”, saying that he wore his hair long despite taunting from his peers. She described Ruairí as “a little imp”.

Chada said that she had found out that her husband Sanjeev, who was yesterday sentenced to two life sentences for murdering his sons, had stolen money from a community centre just ten days before the boys were killed.

“We were a normal, ordinary family in my eyes. There were no red alerts.

“There was nothing strange about him taking the boys out bowling. It wasn’t unusual at all.

“It was 11pm when I started to question it and I drove into Carlow with my brother to see if they were there, then called the guards. I suppose at that stage, I know now that it wouldn’t have made any difference.”

Kathleen added that she has visited the spot that the car in which her husband had attempted to take his own life after killing his sons was found.

She said that she had received a call from Sanjeev informing her that the boys had died.

They were the longest moments waiting for confirmation that the boys were ok, that I’d just have to get to them in hospital.

Sanjeev Chada said yesterday that he feared his boys growing up “in a broken home”, but Kathleen says this had not been discussed.

“Our relationship had not broken down in that way. I suppose I was quite angry in the courts when that was read out.

“There is no justification for what he did.”

She added that she has not contacted Sanjeev since the murders.

There’s nothing to say.

Asked if she would have preferred if Sanjeev succeeded in taking his own life, she said that “it would have been easier in some ways”, but said that “if he was really remorseful, he will keep living and take the punishment for what he has done”.

She said that her family and community had been supportive saying that the love she had felt had been “incredible”.

Read: Two life sentences for Sanjeev Chada for killing his sons Eoghan and Ruairi

Read: ‘They lived with joy and energy’: Village united in grief at Chada brothers’ funeral

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17 Comments
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    Mute Catherine Hayward
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    Oct 8th 2014, 10:52 AM

    Heartbreaking and horrific, felt sick when i heard God rest the poor boys …

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    Mute Colin Howell
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:04 AM

    I just cannot believe how often something like this happens. At what point does a mature person believe that it makes more sense to kill their own kids. It always reminds me of that family who organised graveyard plots for themselves and children before the murder suicide. I just can’t comprehend the thought process.

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    Mute Brendan Julian
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:35 AM

    What was that story colin

    11
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    Mute Andrea Rock Massey
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:50 AM

    It was a few years ago, the Dad was blind and the kids had vision impairments but nothing drastic. The parents made all the arrangements for their funerals and burials and then committed murder/suicide. 2 little girls if I remember correctly. It was so sad..

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    Mute Colin Howell
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:53 AM
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    Mute Maggie
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    Oct 8th 2014, 1:03 PM

    That case was disturbing.some people shud never have kids

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    Mute jack frost
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:36 AM

    I heard her speak on pat Kenny show and was amazed at how controlled she was and how beautiful her words were describing her kids , a wonderful woman married to a selfish b.stard.

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    Mute Sinead Hanley
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:48 AM

    Jack.. I agree.. I think “selfish” is too kind a word for him though. He is a murderer, plain and simple.

    Its so unfair. Why didnt he go off and top himself, he’d be no loss. But to murder his kids? And then offer excuses for it..

    God help her in her grief. Its a lot to bear. She is a lovely woman. It seems she is being taken care of well. Its only right.

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    Mute Liam Byrne
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:44 AM

    Poor woman. There is no consolation to any of this. She’s a stronger person than me.

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    Mute Barbara Christopher
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:19 AM

    Can not imagine what this woman is going through. It’s the unthinkable. My thoughts are with her and may the boys RIP.
    Hope the father one day realises what he did, but suffers for many years to come.

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    Mute Liam Byrne
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:47 AM

    I think he has realised and that realisation will get stronger and stronger as time goes on. It’s the ultimate punishment you could give him. Deep deep regret and unable to make it better. That sort of emotion eats away at you and destroys you more than any capital punishment could.

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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Oct 8th 2014, 2:22 PM

    It’s unimaginable what Kathleen Chada is living through. I wish her peace in her heart and that her love for her children keeps her going through the sad times ahead.

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    Mute Maggie
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    Oct 8th 2014, 1:04 PM

    Beautiful kids. Heart bleeds for this I woman. He has have been a1good persom at some stage of his life

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    Mute James Darby
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    Oct 8th 2014, 1:55 PM

    Another double murder trial starting today. If convicted he will also receive 2 life sentences, to run concurrently. This concurrent sentencing is a sick joke. If you ever kill someone in Ireland make sure you get all potential witnesses as well, it’ll make no difference if you’re caught.

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    Mute John
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    Oct 8th 2014, 6:50 PM

    James I was thinking the same thing, the poor woman goes through all this then then the Judge/Law says that effectively the life of one of her kids was worthless because he serves one life sentence if he kills one child and one life sentence if he kills both. I wonder which kid the law deems not worth a longer sentence?
    A double-life sentence to run CONCURRENTLY?? is the same legalese nonsense talk that allows the department of justice to suggest that a suspended sentence is an actual punishment, even my six year old knows that it isn’t but then she is honest.

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    Mute Trish O'Keeffe
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    Oct 8th 2014, 6:42 PM

    Tragic. RIP, beautiful boys. Xx

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    Mute Louise Walsh
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    Oct 8th 2014, 11:20 PM

    Kathleen, those boys were lucky to have a loving mother like you. Although their days were short, they were happy and those little boys knew they were loved. You are so brave it’s an inspiration to all those that are suffering. I hope you find peace and continue to receive the love and support of your family and community xx

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