Flags to fly at half mast over Govt buildings for 10 victims killed in Carrickmines fire
: Flags over Government buildings are to fly at half mast when the funerals of the victims of the Carrickmines fire are taking place.
Also, a minute's silence will take place ahead of the Ireland/Poland soccer match this evening.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny this afternoon visited the scene of fire, and also said that the Irish flag at Government buildings will fly at half mast on the days when the 10 victims are being laid to rest.
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: Local parishioners are to fund raise for the victims of a blaze which claimed five children and five adults who died in yesterday's tragic fire at Carrickmines in South Dublin.
Fr Andrew O’Sullivan, parish priest from neighbouring St Patrick’s Church, Glencullen, led a solemn Sunday Mass in the hills surrounding the city.
“It is a time of sadness and great loss for them. People are very much aware of the fragility of life and how these terrible tragedies can happen without any warning or notice.”
He told parishioners: “We ask that people wanting to express their solidarity with the community, we have spoken to St Vincent’s De Paul and if people wish to give in some way they may do so.”
Fr O’Sullivan said they prayed for all the dead and injured during Sunday services throughout the parish.
“We are just remembering them in our thoughts and prayers and on a more practical level the local community are offering their support in every way they can.
“We are going to work with St Vincent De Paul to see what we can do on a slightly bigger scale to help those who have been left behind by this.”
Parishioner Ned O’Connor loitered in the churchyard after Mass, discussing the tragedy with fellow parishioners.
“It is unbelievable, two families wiped out on one night. This is one of the biggest tragedies in the country this fire.”
He said those at the halting site had been good neighbours.
“They never seemed to interfere with anyone, it is a lovely site, they always kept it very well.”
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Prayers have been offered at churches across the country for the five children and five adults who died in yesterday's tragic fire at Carrickmines in South Dublin.
All those who perished in the blaze at a halting site on the Glenamuck Road were members of two extended families, the names of whom have not yet been released by Gardaí.
However, it is being reported that the victims are from an extended Connors family from the Traveller community.
The Independent reports that the victims missing and feared dead are Thomas and Sylvia Connors and their children Jim, Christy and Mary.
The other missing family is Tara Gilbert, her partner Willie Lynch and their children Kelsey and Jodie.
Jimmy Lynch, aged 39, is said to be the tenth victim.
A Garda spokesman confirmed the death toll had climbed to 10 after a baby girl, understood to have turned five months at the end of September, died in hospital. The other baby who died was one month older, at six months.
It is largest loss of life by fire in the State since 48 people were killed in the Stardust nightclub in 1981.
Books of condolence for the bereaved will open across the local community in Carrickmines today.
The books are in place in Leopardstown Shopping Centre, Centra Stepaside, The Market Belarmine and at Customer Services in Dundrum Shopping Centre.
Gardaí are not treating the fire as suspicious, although it is not known what caused the fire, which broke out at 4.30am yesterday.
