Statement of Bishop Martin Hayes on the fire tragedy in Ballyjamesduff

12 Sep 2023

On behalf of the priests, religious and parish faith communities of Kilmore, I wish to express my sincere sympathies to the Lynch family on the tragic deaths of Kathleen and Michael in a fire at their home in the early hours of Sunday morning last, 10 September 2023.  Our hearts go out to you and to all affected by this terrible tragedy.

You are in our prayers at this difficult time.  Be assured of our support for you in the coming days, weeks and months ahead to help ease the burden of the sudden deaths of Kathleen RIP and of Michael RIP.

Our thoughts are with the emergency service personnel, family members and neighbours who attended the scene.

We gather all our thoughts and prayers with those of Father Kevin Donohoe PP, who provided pastoral assistance on Sunday morning, with Father Brian Flynn AP and the parish community of Castlerahan as they prepare for their Funeral Mass this week.

We keep in mind all who are suffering at this time.

May their souls and the souls of our Faithful Departed rest in peace.

+ Martin Hayes, Bishop of Kilmore.

ENDS