Man charged with arson in Boyle

A 33-YEAR-OLD man charged with arson at a house where a five-year- old girl died earlier this month said he was “deeply sorry”, a court heard yesterday.

The accused, John Lynch, from Church View, Boyle, Co Roscommon, appeared before the local district court.

The charge stated he did “commit arson without lawful excuse, damage by fire property private dwelling 49 Termon Road, Boyle, Co Roscommon, belonging to another, intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged”.

Garda Paul Kenny gave evidence of arresting Lynch at Termon and charging him at 9.30am yesterday. Garda Kenny said Lynch replied: “I never intended for anyone to get hurt and I am deeply sorry.”

Superintendent Tom Mullarkey applied for Lynch to be remanded in custody to appear before Harristown District Court this morning.

Judge Geoffrey Browne remanded Lynch in custody.

Lynch, who was dressed in jeans and a blue tracksuit top, did not speak during the brief hearing.

A crowd of about 70 people gathered outside the courthouse, including Teresa Keane, mother of Mari Keane-Connolly, who died in the house fire.

There was a large Garda presence outside the courthouse in Boyle.