An entire community has been shattered after a popular couple were tragically killed in a house fire on Thursday.
Joey Tumulty and Nuala Kenny died when a blaze engulfed their home at Gurth near Rooty Cross, Co Roscommon, about 13 kilometres east of Ballinasloe.
Both victims, who were aged in their 40s and had children from previous relationships, were from the area and have family members living nearby.
Mr Tumulty was a plasterer who had worked in a local farm supply business, while Ms Kenny was a health care worker who was originally from nearby Clonburren.
Their bodies were found inside their house which was extensively damaged in the fire.
Local parish priest Fr Michael Molloy said the community was heartbroken following the double tragedy.
“It’s a terrible shock to the people, a terrible tragedy for the families involved and the shockwaves are spreading through the community,” he said.
“It’s a close-knit community and the families are well known and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.”
Gardai are awaiting the outcome of both the post mortems and a technical examination of the house before deciding what course of action to take.
State Pathologist Margaret Bolster has been informed.
The alarm was raised around 2am this morning and three units of the fire brigade from Ballinasloe and Athlone rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control.
The bodies of the couple were discovered inside the house, which is located on a rural road.
The scene was preserved and the road closed for a Garda technical examination.
The bodies of the Joey and Nuala were removed to University Hospital Galway for post mortem examinations.
Gardai in Clonark and Roscommon (090 6437102) have appealed for witnesses and have asked anyone who was in the area around that time to come forward.
