The parish priest in Newcastle in Dublin, where three children were found dead in their home on Friday, says the whole community is in shock.

The bodies 9-year-old Conor, 7-year-old Darragh and 3-year-old Carla McGinley were found at the house in Parson's Court on Friday evening.

A woman, believed to be the children's mother, is continuing to receive medical treatment at Tallaght University Hospital, with gardaí waiting for the go-ahead from doctors to speak to her.

Fr John Gilligan, the local parish priest in Newcastle, spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about how the community has been dealing with the tragedy.

The father of the children, Andrew McGinley, is pictured with Conor, Darragh and Carla | Image: Supplied

He said: "Since we got the call from the community Garda on Friday evening... it's been total shock, bewilderment, having no words... just trying to have a language that you can speak to young children with to try and explain why their friends are no longer going to be there.

"We gathered Friday night and gathered Saturday morning in Newcastle... We didn't know what to do, but we just kind of opened the church and said we'd put on a service.

"We're amazed to see how the mams and dads and children that came on a Saturday morning.

"Just the expression of shock in their faces - dads with tears in their eyes.

"Since we opened the book of condolences there, many people are just trying to express [their reaction] in some way."

'Speechless'

Fr Gilligan explained that while people usually 'scarper in all directions' after mass on a Sunday, many didn't want to leave yesterday.

He observed: "The carpark was huddles of young families together, speechless but with each other, hugging their kids.

"It was so difficult to talk to them... I said to them I had a homily ready, but I couldn't use a homily like that on a day like that. I just said to the moms and dads... look after yourselves... [and keep doing] the wonderful work you do with your children.

"Our presence really was the big thing... many parents came up to me after mass and they said 'thanks - it was great to just come somewhere, to be somewhere, and to talk to somebody'.

"Finding a language to use... you feel so helpless, and I felt so helpless."

Following the deaths of the three children, Tusla has activated its critical response procedure and will be offering support through schools, counselling services, family support services and local groups in the Newcastle area.

Anyone who needs someone to talk to can also contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

Main image: People leave flowers at the scene where the bodies of 3 children who were found dead at a house on Parsons Court, Newcastle, Dublin. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie