Brothers die in Cork house blaze

Investigators were yesterday trying to establish the cause of a fire at a house in west Cork over the weekend in which two brothers…

Investigators were yesterday trying to establish the cause of a fire at a house in west Cork over the weekend in which two brothers died.

Johnny (75) and Tommy O'Donovan (87) both died in the blaze which destroyed their dormer cottage at Lislea, Courtmacsherry, in the early hours of Saturday morning. Their bodies were found close to the back door and there was speculation that Mr Johnny O'Donovan died trying to rescue his brother.

Post-mortem examinations were carried out over the weekend at Clonakilty Hospital. The site of the fire was subjected to forensic examination and technical experts ruled out foul play. The alarm was raised by neighbours shortly after 6.30 a.m. on Saturday.