Community left in shock after murder and suicide

The former Glendarragh Park man's body was discovered at the wheel of his crashed Ford Escort which was filled with exhaust fumes five miles from his Antrim home. The body of his estranged wife Sharon (33) had been found earlier by her mother at their Carnbeg Meadows home.

It is believed he committed suicide after killing his wife. Their three children were not at home at the time.

A Service of Thanksgiving for his life was held in St. John's Church, Crumlin on Wednesday, followed by burial at Crumlin New Cemetery.

During the service the Rev John Rutter, the minister at St Johns Church, said it was 'not a day of explaining nor for judging'.

"It is a day for smypathising, sympathising with the bereaved. The families of Philip and Sharon Hull face a most difficult grief" he said.

"Today is also a day of many conflicting feelings, some which accuse and others which comfort, leaving weariness or confusion.

"All the more, then, we look to the Bible, as we gather in church, for the steadying truth that can help cope with the trauma. There we find the forgiveness, the strength, and the future hope through Jesus Christ that we need.

"Philip's family has asked, as did Sharon's yesterday, to be left to say their goodbyes without the eyes of the world upon them. We therefore respect their need for space to get through this difficult day with the support of their friends, as they remember all that was good in the loved ones they have lost."

A post mortem has been carried out on Mrs Hull's body, however police have refused to reveal details of how she died.

It is believed Mr Hull killed his estranged wife after an argument. The couple were married for 12 years and had recently separated.

Police said he had been subject to a restraining order.

Mrs Hull was a chartered accountant with Ernst and Young. Mr Hull was a pub doorman. He was a member of Antrim Rugby Club and the family were well known in the rugby fraternity.

Former Antrim Mayor Councillor Adrian Watson knew the couple through the rugby club and had also played rugby with Mr Hull for Antrim 1st XV.

"I bumped into Phil a month ago and he was just his normal self, talking about sport and rugby" Mr Watson said.

"He was never one of the boys, he was a family man. Any time you were in his company socially, Sharon was always there.

"Phil was a tough guy on the pitch, but if you were out with him, he was very easy going and never caused any bother."

Chairman of Antrim Rugby Club, Hugh Wallace, said the couple would be "greatly missed".

"The members and committee have offered their condolences to both families on their loss following the tragic events."

Police have appealed for anyone who heard a disturbance in the Carnbeg Meadows area at around 3am to contact them. They also want to talk to anyone who may have information about the movements of Mr Hull's car between 2am and 6am on Saturday.

Mrs Hull was buried at Belmont Cemetery following a funeral mass at St Joseph's chapel on the Greystone Road in Antrim on Tuesday.

A spokeswoman for the Coroner's office said he will not be able to state the cause of either death until he is in receipt of the full post mortem reports which are likely to become available in a number of weeks.