'A proper Cork gentleman': Couple who died in Dublin fire named locally

The scene of a house fire in Beach Park, Portmarnock, Co Dublin, where two people died.

Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances of the deaths of two people after a fatal house fire in Co Dublin. 

The couple has been named locally as Michael and Beatrice Hurley.

Michael is originally from Mayfield, on the north-side of Cork City.

The couple, aged in their late 60s and early 70s, were discovered inside the house.

They were well-known in the community, and both were involved in sport locally.

This evening his local squash club posted a message remembering how he was a founding member of the Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Club (PSLC) in the early 80s.

He was described as a "pivotal part of the growth of the area's squash community", and "a proper Cork gentleman".

The two had lived in the home for more than 40 years.

"Really shocking"

The property at Beach Park in Portmarnock, Co Dublin, where a man and a woman have died in a house fire. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

At around 10,30pm last night Gardaí responded to reports of a house fire at Beach Park, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin. 

The Dublin Fire Brigade brought the blaze under control and the bodies of the man and woman - aged in their late 60s and early 70s -were discovered inside the house.

Overnight firefighters were called to a well developed house fire in #Portmarnock. Crews in breathing apparatus fought the fire and sadly, the remains of 2 people were discovered. Our thoughts are with the families, friends and community at this difficult time 📸 file pic.twitter.com/0S98KIx0Nu

— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) December 6, 2020

The scene has been preserved by investigating Gardaí who are working towards establishing the cause of the fire. 

A post mortem examination by the State Pathologist is to take place later after the bodies have been moved to the Dublin City mortuary. 

Gardaí said the results of the post mortem and the technical examination of the house will determine the course of the investigation. 

Expressing her dismay at the news, Fianna Fáil Senator, Lorraine Clifford-Lee said the fire was tragic. 

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Eoghan O'Brien said the community is devastated and are thinking of the family.

"It's really shocking. People are very upset at this happening in Portmarnock and obviously all of our thoughts are with the families of those who have died in this tragic incident," said Mr O'Brien. 

Witnesses are asked to contact the incident room at Malahide Garda station. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Malahide Garda Station on 01-666 4600, the Garda confidential line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.