A couple killed in an early morning house fire in south Co Roscommon have been named as Joey Tumulty and Nuala Kenny.
The couple, both of whom have children from previous relationships, died when a blaze engulfed their home at Gurth near Rooty Cross, about 13km east of Ballinasloe.
Both victims, in their mid-40s, were from the area and have family living in that part of south Roscommon, which is near the M6 between Ballinasloe in Co Galway and Athlone in Co Westmeath.
Mr Tumulty was a plasterer who had worked in a local farm supply business, while Ms Kenny was a healthcare worker who was originally from nearby Clonburren.
The alarm was raised at around 2am and three units of the fire brigade from Ballinasloe and Athlone went to the scene and brought the fire under control.
Their bodies were found inside the house, which was extensively damaged in the fire. Their deaths have shocked the local community.
Fr Michael Molloy, parish priest in Moore, near where the tragedy happened, said the victims and their families were well known in the area.
“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.”
Gardaí are awaiting the outcome of postmortems and a technical examination of the scene before deciding what course of action to take. State pathologist Margaret Bolster has been informed.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact gardaí in Clonark or Roscommon on (0906) 437102.