THE HOUSE fire that claimed the lives of three brothers in Moneymore, Drogheda, Co Louth, a week ago today is believed to have started in a sofa in the livingroom.
Gardaí are satisfied it was a tragic accident.
The funerals of Martin McDonagh (21) and his brothers Tony (16) and James (8) will take place this afternoon in Drogheda.
Hundreds of mourners including many members of the Traveller community are expected to attend requiem Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 2pm.
The brothers are being buried in St Peter’s cemetery, which is just yards from the entrance to Moneymore. Tony and Martin will be buried in identical caskets and James in a white coffin.
Their family wanted them to spend their last night in the church and at teatime yesterday they left Townley’s funeral home for the church.
Gardaí spent hours sifting through the charred remains of the mid-terraced house and examining it for clues as to what caused the blaze. Last night they confirmed it appeared to have started in a sofa in the front room.
A number of windows had been left open upstairs and the draught from them allowed the fire to spread rapidly. A garda said such a fire would have smouldered “and then a fire like that would just blow and the whole room would burst into flames. There were open windows and the fire was drawn up into what was the escape route for those on the top floor. It was a tragic situation.”
Hundreds of people have signed the book of condolences opened in the offices of Drogheda Borough Council.