The two men who died after a fire at a house in Kells, Co Meath overnight have been named locally.
Two others, a man and a young woman, escaped with their lives after the alarm was raised just after 3am this morning.
The victims were named locally as Martin "Biggie" Reilly and John "Froggie" Power.
Mr Reilly, who was the occupant of the house, at Blackthorn Close, Kells, was originally from Dunlane, near Carnaross, Co Meath.
The other victim, Mr Power, was from Navan, Co Meath.Gardai and emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 3am.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two occupants, a man in his 40s and a woman in her early 20s, were brought to hospital.
They are thought to be suffering from smoke inhalation. Neighbour Hughie McConnell, paid tribute to Mr Reilly, saying: "He was a lovely man, who never did any harm to anyone but himself. He was a lovely quiet fella."
It is understood that Mr Reilly was a plasterer by trade and the four people had gathered at the house to socialise.
The house was sealed off this morning, awaiting the arrival of a garda forensic team.
A full investigation is now underway.
