Sanjeev Chada well-regarded by local community in Ballinkillen

Sanjeev Chada, the father of Ruairí and Eoghan Chada, was “deeply loved” by his wife Kathleen and regarded in the Ballinkillen community as a friendly, gentle, quiet man who was extremely close to his two sons.

Mr Chada, whose parents were of Indian origin, was born in Northern Ireland.

His brother, who still lives in the North, travelled to the Co Carlow village on Monday morning as concerns grew about the safety of Eoghan and Ruairí.

Family members were in the house shared by Sanjeev and Kathleen Chada and their two boys when the phone call came from gardaí to say the children had been found dead in Co Mayo.

Farming family
Kathleen Murphy grew up in Ballinkillen in the farmhouse owned by her parents Willie and Patsy with her sister Irene and brothers Kevin, Brian, Liam and Kenneth.

She met her husband over 13 years ago and the couple got married and initially lived in Dublin, where Eoghan was born.

The family later moved back to Ballinkillen and built a comfortable house on the edge of the Murphys’ family farm.

Mr Chada’s mother still lives in London, while his father died about five years ago.

Mr Chada worked as an IT consultant, basing himself at home.

In his spare time, he played five-a-side soccer and indoor soccer as well as encouraging the two boys in their love of football and hurling with the local Ballinkillen club and soccer with Nurney Villa FC, close to Bagenalstown.

The 43-year-old frequently brought five-year-old Ruairí with him to watch 10-year-old Eoghan play matches.

Known locally as Sanj, he was also involved in the local community council, which runs the community centre behind the parish church, and was on the committee.

He was said to have been "very much loved" by the extended Murphy family and had fit well into the rural community of Ballinkillen.

Naturally quiet
Despite his naturally quiet nature, he made great efforts to get involved in local activities – as his commitment to local sports and the community centre proved – and the family appeared to be a picture of contentment.