Man who set himself on fire in solicitor’s office ‘was not a client’

THE man who died after setting himself on fire in a solicitor’s office was not a client of the law firm, the company said.

West Cork firm Wolfe and Company yesterday extended condolences to the family of the late John Harnedy.

Mr Harnedy, 44, from Rineen, Skibbereen, died early yesterday in the burns unit of Cork University Hospital.

He sustained horrific injuries in a mid-morning incident on Monday in the Skibbereen law offices.

Shocked staff watched helplessly as the father-of-three poured petrol over himself and became engulfed in flames. The office staff was joined by medical personnel in rendering emergency assistance to Mr Harnedy.

Friends said yesterday Mr Harnedy was troubled in recent times by a personal matter.

An instructor with FÁS, based in Bishopstown, Mr Harnedy, an engineer by occupation, had recently assisted a number of trainees to obtain work in the field of planning and architectural services.

A local company in West Cork had recently offered Mr Harnedy a job but he declined the offer due to personal difficulties.

Gardaí said an investigation was being conducted for the purposes of inquest proceedings.

A post mortem was carried out in Cork University Hospital yesterday. The deceased was believed to have sustained over 70% burns to his head and body.

The law firm said yesterday it was shocked and distressed by the incident.

“We have now just learned of Mr Harnedy’s death,” the company said in a statement. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with his wife, children and the Harnedy family.”

The company said Mr Harnedy was not a client of Wolfe and Company.

“We are focusing on helping our staff recover from this trauma,” the statement said. “We are proud of their wonderful response to this shocking emergency.”

Local parish priest Fr Charles Sweeney said the tragedy shocked the entire community.