Fire which killed elderly couple 'a tragic accident'
Gardaí were today treating a house fire which killed an elderly couple as a tragic accident.
Pensioners Sean and Siobhan Kavanagh, thought to be in their 70s and 80s, died after the blaze ripped through their home in Scalagheen, on the outskirts of Tipperary town.
Officers believe the fire broke out in the kitchen at around 8.30pm yesterday.
Devastated locals described the couple as well loved and full of life.
Archdeacon Matthew McGrath, of St Michael’s Parish in Tipperary, said he had received several calls from distraught neighbours.
“I would have know them for years,” he said.
“Siobhan was very active in the parish. I spoke to her on 8 December she was in the church.
“Little did I think it was be the last time I would be speaking to her.”
It is understood the couple’s seven adult children were planning on returning home for a family reunion over Christmas.
Mrs Kavanagh was a member of the local Legion of Mary group and attended Mass every day in the parish.
“They were two lovely people. Big heart. Full of neighbourliness,” Archdeacon McGrath said.
“If somebody was in trouble last night as they were, she’d be the first to assist if she could.
“There was a family reunion planned for the family coming home. Look at the plans they’ll have to make now, terrible.”
Fine Gael Councillor Anna Tuohy-Halligan, who also knew the couple, said the tragic news broke just after a meeting with council colleagues.
“I just can’t believe it. We had our council meeting and after I heard it and I just can’t believe it.
“I knew Siobhan very, very well, she was such a lovely unassuming person.
“They were very well known, very well liked. They were just the pillars of society.”
Their bodies were removed to Waterford Regional Hospital for a post mortem examination.
The house was sealed off to allow investigators to carry out a forensic examination.
