Gardaí in Co Sligo were last night still trying to contact the relatives of a couple who lost their lives in an overnight fire which destroyed the home they had moved into less than a year ago.
The English-born couple who were in their 50s had bought the house near Achonry, Co Sligo, a few years ago and had finished renovations last summer. Yesterday all that remained of their dream home were the four walls.
Gardaí do not suspect that the blaze, which completely engulfed the house, had been started deliberately. But they say it may take some time before they can identify the cause of the fire because of the extent of the damage.
The bodies of the couple were found in a bedroom at the back of the one-storey bungalow where it is believed the fire may have started.
Fire tenders from the nearby town of Tubbercurry and from Sligo were called to the scene, but the blaze had swept through the house by the time they arrived.
Local people in the rural south Sligo community were shocked yesterday morning as they awoke to the news that the two well-known newcomers to the area had perished in the tragedy.
Local priest Fr James McDonagh, who arrived at the scene shortly after the alarm was raised around midnight, said there was nothing anyone could have done to save the couple.
Like several local people, he commented on the pride the couple had taken in their new home which was described as "picture postcard".
It is understood that the man had worked as a gardener in England and that he took great pride in the garden.
As the bodies were removed to Manorhamilton hospital, Sgt John Barry from Tubbercurry station said there was no suspicion of arson. "This couple had been visiting the area for some years on their holidays and just fell in love with the place," he said.
He said that family members in England had still not been contacted and the names of the couple could not be released until all relatives had been informed. It is understood that the couple had one son living in England.
