Partry in shock after Leitrim fire deaths

Partry parish priest extends sympathy to grieving daughter of Leitrim fire victims


Ciara Galvin
ciaragalvin@mayonews.ie

A fire on Saturday claimed the lives of a father, mother and daughter in Lisnabrack near Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim. The couple, Desmond and Patsy McDonald, moved back to the area, having spent many years in the United States. Their daughter Patricia, aged 34, also lost her life in the house fire.
It has been reported that the fire may have started in the kitchen and that the family were asleep at the time. A passerby who saw the two storey house on fire raised the alarm just after 2am on Saturday morning.
Mr and Mrs McDonald’s only other daughter Jenny, who works as a nurse in Galway, lives with her partner and daughter in Partry.
Speaking to The Mayo News on his way to the funeral yesterday evening, Partry parish priest, Fr John Kenny extended his sincerest sympathies to Ms McDonald, her partner Declan and their daughter Keelin.
Fr Kenny said it came as a terrible shock to the whole parish and said people didn’t make the connection with the tragedy and the parish until Saturday afternoon.
“We heard it on the news and when there were no names released we didn’t make the connection at first. We are all shocked and sympathetic to Jenny and her family,” said Fr Kenny.
“It’s a terrible shock for Jenny, her family and for Declan. They are going through a terrible strain and we offer our sympathies and prayers from our parish,” said the priest.
Referring to Ms McDonald’s profession as a nurse in Galway, Fr Kenny acknowledged her role as a caring professional.
“Jenny deals with tragedy in her work, but not in this way, on her doorstep,” the priest concluded.
The funeral Mass of Mr and Mrs McDonald and their daughter Patricia takes place this morning (Tuesday) at 11am at The Church of the Annunciation, Mullies, Co Leitrim, followed by burial.

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