A pensioner who initially escaped a house fire with her daughter, died in the blaze after it is thought she re-entered the property to rescue the family dog.
Maura Houlihan, 67, was pronounced dead at the scene in Co Tipperary yesterday.
Her daughter, aged in her 40s, was taken to University Hospital Limerick as a precaution but was later discharged.
Gardai and fire services rushed to the blazing home at Sallygrove in Nenagh, yesterday when they were alerted at around 7am.
It is believed Mrs Houlihan and her daughter got safely out of the house before the the OAP re-entered the house to save the family dog and became trapped by flames.
The family are well known in the town and Mrs Houlihan’s late brother Paddy Joe Cusack had been a Fianna Fail councillor in Nenagh for several years.
Local Independent councillor Seamus Morris said he did not know Mrs Houlihan personally but he expressed his sympathy to her loved ones last night.
He said: “It’s a tragedy for her and her family who are local people.
“It’s a tragedy for everybody involved and I want to send my condolences to them all.
“Her brother would have been a former Fianna Fail councillor and they would have been well-known in that sense. They’re a family deeply rooted in Nenagh.
“I’d also like to thank the professionalism of the fire service who were very quick to respond to the call.”
Gardai confirmed last night investigations into the fire are ongoing and the cause is unknown.
Mrs Houlihan is survived by her husband Matt and daughters Jacqueline and Yvonne.
Her remains will be reposing at Ryan’s Funeral Home this Friday.
Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday at noon followed by burial in Lisboney New Cemetery.
