Man dies after setting himself on fire

A father-of-three died in hospital today after setting himself alight in a solicitor’s office in west Cork.

John Harnedy, a 44-year-old self employed steel worker, walked into Wolfe and Company on Market Street in Skibbereen before dousing himself with petrol and setting himself alight.

The man, who was from Rineen, Skibbereen, was taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital in a critical condition shortly before lunchtime yesterday.

He died during the night, according to a hospital spokesman.

It is believed the incident was related to a family matter.

Donal McCarthy, the chairman of Skibbereen Town Council, said it was a sad day for Mr Harnedy’s family and for the town.