HEARTBREAK IN GREYSTONES & KILMACANOGUE
Communities mourn loss of Ciaran in house fire and John in accident
TRAGEDY visited two families in north Wicklow this week, with the death of 30-year-old Ciaran Hogan in a fire in Greystones, and the passing of John Donnelly, aged in his seventies, who fell from a ladder at his home in Kilmurray, Kilmacanogue.
Ciaran was staying at the home of a friend in Kindlestown Park when a fire broke out there in the early hours of Thursday morning. Sadly, he died in hospital last Saturday.
Sadly John Donnelly was killed in the tragic accident the same day. He was a vintage tractor enthusiast, ploughing champion, stalwart of Kilmac GAA, and devoted family man.
“Ciaran was a friend to everyone. He only saw goodness in people, no matter who they were”
THERE is heartbreak in Greystones this week at the news that Ciaran Hogan of Kindlestown Park lost his life following a fire.
Ciaran (30) was staying at a friend’s house in Kindlestown Park when the fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Fire crews managed to get him out of the house and he was taken to hospital. Sadly, he died on Saturday at St Vincent’s Hospital.
‘He was much loved and will be deeply missed by all his family and many friends,’ said Ciaran’s parents, Jim and Anne.
‘We are all devastated and heartbroken at this time. We ask all who knew him to be strong and remember him in your prayers.
‘Ciaran was a friend to everyone. He only saw goodness in people no matter who they were.’
Ciaran’s father Jim urged people to check their smoke alarms, and hopefully prevent any other tragedies occurring over the winter.
He said that funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised and will be announced this week.
Ciaran is survived by his parents, his sisters Leonie and Bronagh and his brothers Barry, Declan and Jamie.
His brother Michael tragically died in an accident involving a train 20 years ago, at the age of 22. Michael and Ciaran were great friends, despite t. Ciaran idolised his older brother.
Just a few weeks ago, the family celebrated Leonie’s wedding together and Ciaran enjoyed the occasion immensely.
‘Greystones is in tears,’ said Jim, on the grief which enveloped the town this week.
Greystones Fire Service were called to the scene of the fire at Kindlestown Park at around 4.30 a.m. on Thursday. They arrived quickly and were informed that there was one person upstairs in the house. Ciaran had been sleeping and suffered smoke inhalation.
Fire crews found the house well alight with flames coming from the ground floor front window.
Using breathing apparatus, they entered the house and fought the fire, then proceeded upstairs. Ciaran was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Gardaí confirmed that they carried out a forensic exami- nation of the scene. They do not believe that there was any foul play.
Tributes have been paid online to Ciaran in the days since his death.
‘You were such a kind, funny, loving gent, you will be missed,’ wrote one friend, while another described him as ‘such a nice chap with a big heart.’