THE brother of the Fermanagh woman murdered in her home near Maguiresbridge on Monday has said she “brought happiness to the lives of thousands.”
Concepta Leonard was stabbed to death by her former partner Peadar Phair who also tried to kill her disabled son Conor before taking his own life in a tragedy described by her brother as “appalling and horrific.”
Yesterday (Wednesday) Conor who suffers from Down’s Syndrome was in a stable condition at South West Acute Hospital as he recovered from the serious injuries he sustained in the knife attack. 
In an emotional tribute, Ms. Leonard’s brother Fergal has remembered his loving sister; a talented musician, a caring school cook, a formidable former businesswoman but most importantly of all: a devoted mother.
“Connie and Conor just go together, if there was ever a pair to be together it was the two of them,” Mr. Leonard told The Impartial Reporter, fighting back tears.
Ms. Leonard and her 30 year old son had a close relationship, a love of doing things together and a love for one another. It’s understood Conor raised the alarm on Monday afternoon. 
“The scars of this horrific event are going to be life lasting for him,” said Mr. Leonard. 

“I would like to thank the emergency services and the staff at South West Acute Hospital, the doctors and nurses for all the work they have done to help Conor,” he said. 
He described his 51 year old sister as Conor’s “rock” and praised the bond between mother and son.
And he spoke of his deep appreciation for the way in which the community has rallied around his family.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their prayers and messages of support that we have received and for the prayers and support that I know we are going to get,” he said.
Ms. Leonard’s father Dinnie is a well known traditional Irish musician and his daughter followed in his footsteps, not only playing a number of instruments including the accordion but teaching young people, too. She even taught Conor and most Thursday nights the pair would have played music together at St. Patrick’s Gaelic Football Club in Donagh. Tonight the usually high spirited clubhouse will fall silent. 
Mr. Leonard continued: “Connie, Conor, Daddy and all of the family have been heavily involved in the traditional music scene for over 40 years. Through this time we have met fantastic people who have become lifelong friends. 
“Connie has brought happiness to the lives of thousands of people with her God given gift of playing music. Connie and Daddy have been blessed with an ability to be able to pass this gift on to many musicians throughout Fermanagh, Tyrone, Leitrim and Cavan,” he said.
Ms. Leonard in recent years had been working with the Education Authority throughout Fermanagh as a school cook and more recently at Jones Memorial Primary School.
“She loved her job in school meals and she made many great friends through her work in the different schools in the county,” said Mr. Leonard.
Ms. Leonard is survived by her son Conor, brothers Fergal and Kieran, sister Denise, nieces Katie and Sheana, nephew James and is predeceased by her mother Moira.
As the family prepares arrangements for Ms. Leonard’s funeral at St. Mary’s Church in Brookeborough on Friday, Mr. Leonard has asked for the community  “near and far” to keep all of them in their thoughts in the days, months and years ahead.
“I would ask for everyone to please pray for Connie, Conor and Daddy and for all of our family, our entire family network and for all of Connie and Conor’s loyal network of friends,” he said.