Warm tributes are paid to a ‘very kind and friendly lady’

THE sad death of Margaret (Maggie) Fortune on Saturday was met with shock in Arklow when news of the fatal house fire filtered out.

Arklow Fire Brigade was called to the scene at 15 St Patrick’s Terrace on Sea Road shortly after 12 p.m. When it was realised that the house was on fire, a number of concerned neighbours attempted to gain entry to the house to go to Ms Fortune’s aid but were unable to locate her.

They used a bicycle to break a window in the hope of being able to help their elderly neighbour and have been commended by the local council Cathaoirleach and members of the Fortune family for their efforts.

Sadly Ms Fortune (80) had perished in the incident and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Arklow Gardaí attended the scene and forensic examinations were conducted. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be established.

Cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District Tommy Annesley described the death of Ms Fortune as ‘very, very sad’.

He said that he knew her personally and that she was a very kind and friendly lady.

‘My sympathies are with the family including her brother Pat who lives in Arklow. I must acknowledge the efforts made by Ms Fortune’s neighbours and to the emergency services for their work,’ he said.

On Monday, a number of floral tributes were seen at the boarded up house in tribute to the popular lady who lived there since she was born.

Funeral arrangements will be finalised in the coming days.