A BOOK of condolences has been opened in Drogheda for three members of the same family who lost their lives in Monday’s tragic house fire.
Two boys, James McDonagh (8) and Tony jnr (16) died along with their brother, Martin (21), after a fire consumed their home on the Moneymore Estate, Drogheda, at about 7.30am on Monday.
Eddie McDonagh (13), who managed to escape by jumping out a window at the front of the burning house, was critically injured.
He was transferred yesterday from the intensive care unit at Dublin’s Temple Street children’s hospital to the specialist paediatric burns unit at Our Lady’s children’s hospital Crumlin where he is receiving further treatment.
His mother, Kathleen, remains at St James’s Hospital, where she is continuing to improve and her condition was described yesterday as “satisfactory”.
His father, Anthony McDonagh, was released from hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
The Garda investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing but it is not thought to be suspicious.
The emergency services were called to the house shortly before 8am on Monday.
Neighbours made several attempts to reach those trapped inside, but were beaten back by the intense heat.
Signing the book of condolences at the borough council offices yesterday afternoon, mayor of Drogheda Cllr Frank Maher (FF) said the deaths of James, Martin and Tony McDonagh were an appalling tragedy and he offered his condolences on behalf of the people of the town to their family and friends.
The public can sign the book in the foyer at the borough council offices on Fair Street in Drogheda on weekdays between 9am and 5pm until Wednesday, March 25th. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
