Cork blaze victim moves into new home

A mother who was “left with nothing” after losing her son and friend in a house fire earlier this year has moved into a new home.

Nóirín McAuliffe, 61, from Macroom, Co Cork, lost everything earlier this year when her home at St Coleman’s Park in Macroom went on fire. The fire claimed the lives of her son Kenneth, 27, and Noel O’Mahony, 62, who was visiting the house. Nóirín, only escaped the blaze after jumping from an upstairs window.

Following the fire Nóirín found herself staying with family as she lost four decades of family possessions and memories. Earlier this week, she moved into her new home following the tragedy.

Speaking on C103, she said was delighted with her new accommodation as it was near to so many friends and family.

“I got my keys last Friday. It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s very near my old home. It’s a two-bed bungalow. I am on my own now. My other daughter stayed with me last night. I moved in yesterday [Monday]. I know everybody down there for years so it’s great,” she said.

Nóirín said the emotional scars of that night would never leave her but the physical pain she has endured was easing.

“I am all right. I am still in pain but I am used to it, I am immune to it. If it went away now I’d miss it. My arm is after getting very good. I still can’t reach up but I am getting there,” she said.

She said her old home is being renovated and her eldest daughter had expressed an interest in living there once the work is completed.