TWIN boys killed in an apparent murder-suicide involving an older sibling have been remembered as energetic and full of fun.

Thomas and Patrick O'Driscoll, aged nine, were found dead in their home on Thursday evening on the edge of Charleville, north Cork, in the Irish Republic.

Within an hour of the discovery their older sibling Jonathan, in his early 20s, was found dead about 15km away in a wooded area by a river just outside the town of Buttevant.

It is believed he took his own life.

Parents Thomas senior and Helen were overcome with emotion as hearses carrying Tom and Paddy pulled out from the side of the house on to the main road to Cork city.

In tears the couple pressed against the windows of the cars as they edged away.

Post-mortem examinations on all three sons were carried out in the city's university hospital. It is understood the twins had stab wounds.

As counsellors spoke to schoolchildren, family, friends and members of the local travelling community, the principal of the school Tom and Paddy attended paid tribute.

Sheila Cagney, of Banogue National School, in Croom, County Limerick, described the twins as "loving, energetic and full of fun".