Singer's mother and sister found dead

Post-mortems are to be carried out to ascertain the cause of death of two women found dead in their home in Stoneybatter, Dublin, yesterday.

Mrs Bridget Heffernan (76) and Ms Fiona Heffernan (39) were found dead at their home at Kirwan Street Cottages by a family member about 10.30 a.m.

They were the mother and sister of the well-known jazz singer Honor Heffernan.

Bord Gáis said a preliminary examination at the house suggested that the gas supply was in accordance with relevant Irish standards. "A natural gas leak is therefore not suspected," it said.

"The deaths may have arisen from carbon monoxide poisoning. However, a post-mortem is awaited before this can be confirmed."

Post-mortems were due to be carried out on the victims today.

Neighbours of the Heffernan's said they understood gas may have leaked from a portable heater at the cottage.

"They were the nicest people you could ever meet, wonderful people," said one neighbour.

"The Heffernans have lived here for more than 40 years and were known and loved by everybody. There were four other girls in the family and they would be in and out all the time."

Another woman said Mrs Heffernan had been involved in residents groups in the area. "She was always with Fiona. They were inseparable."