Tributes flow in for former Labour party councillor who died in fire

TRIBUTES have flowed in for a father of two and former Labour Party councillor who tragically lost his life in a house fire in Limerick city yesterday.

The deceased, named locally as Seamus Houlihan, was found dead around 1.30am, lying on the floor of an upstairs bathroom, by his son James, also a former councillor, and next-door neighbour Ger Conway.

Mr Houlihan, who was aged in his early 80s, was elected to Limerick City Council in 1998, and was a well-known champion of rights for the elderly.

Mr Houlihan’s son, James, who had been living with his father, discovered the family home on fire as he returned to the property, located at Rose Court, Keyes Park, Southill, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A Garda spokeswoman said the scene was ‘preserved for technical examination’, but that gardaí believe the fire was accidental.

It is understood the blaze was caused by an electrical fault and a clothes drier was removed from the house by gardaí.

Mr Houlihan, who was predeceased by his wife Geraldine, is survived by sons Kieran and James.