Tributes to priest and lecturer who died in Kerry house fire

A priest and retired lecturer in his 70s died in a fire in his house in Fenit village near Tralee yesterday morning.

Fr Gearoid O’Donnchada was a retired lecturer, local historian, and sociologist, and was the driving force behind commemorations to do with St Brendan the Navigator, the sixth-century Kerry saint who is said to have sailed out of Fenit and discovered America. Fr O’Donnchada was also behind a number of research projects into life in Kerry.

The fire in the village was spotted at 2am and three fire tenders attended the scene. They managed to bring the fire under control by 4.30am.

Tributes were paid to the late priest. Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris, who lives in Fenit, said: “The parish of Fenit and the wider community are horrified at the tragic death of Fr O’Donnchada this morning.”

Fr O’Donnchada served his parish faithfully and had a deep affection for Fenit. That affection was reciprocated by the local people towards him, the TD said.

“He was involved in many projects in the area, none so much as the St Brendan the Navigator statue on Samphire Island at Fenit pier which he spearheaded and which will forever be connected with him.

“His historical knowledge will be impossible to replace and to his family and many friends I express my deepest sympathy.”

Mr Ferris said the priest’s passing had left a deep void in the area “which has suffered many tragedies over the years”.

“People like Fr O’Donnchada were always there to help in these situations and I know the parish of Fenit will rally around to help his family at this terrible time. Ar dheis Dé a raibh a anam dílis.” Mr Ferris said.

Gardaí forensic investigators are carrying out a technical examination to determine the cause of the fire. Gardaí are not treating the fire as suspicious.