The President, Mrs McAleese, sent a message of condolence after she was fogbound last night and unable to fly to Inisbofin island, off the Co Galway coast, for the removal of the three sisters who died in the fire tragedy earlier this week.
The bodies of the three women, Ms Eileen Coyne (82), Ms Brigid McFadden (76) and Ms Margaret Concannon (72), were received at St Colman's Church, Inisbofin by the island curate, Father Declan Carroll.
In her letter read out by Father Carroll at the removal Mass, Mrs McAleese said she was distressed to learn of the three deaths and extended her condolences to the family and the islanders.
Among the many mourners were members of the extended Concannon family, including the three Concannon brothers, Mattie, Martin and Christy, who are also resident on Inisbofin. The funerals of Ms Coyne and Ms Concannon will take place on the island this afternoon, for burial in St Colman's adjoining cemetery. The body of Ms McFadden will remain in the church for removal back to England on Monday.