Pensioner dies in Roundfort house fire

Michael Commins

TRAGEDY struck the rural community of Roundfort last week when Willie Brannick died after a fire broke out in his two-storey home at Ballymangan.
Smoke was spotted billowing from the farm house around midnight and the emergency services were alerted and fire brigades from Ballinrobe and Claremorris attended the scene where they rapidly brought the fire under control.
Brave efforts by firemen and neighbours to rescue Willie from an upstairs room proved in vain. He was taken from the house and pronounced deceased at the scene. His remains were taken to Mayo University Hospital where a post mortem was carried out later.
Willie (82) took care of the farm and was out and about and active to the end. Neighbours described him as a quiet man who liked his independence and who went gently through life.
“Willie was a quiet and gentle soul who kept a lot to himself. He had a very kind and caring nature and was highly intelligent and articulate.

Passion
“He had a passion for Mayo football and his heart and soul was in it. He followed the teams year after year. Back in the 1950s, he played with the Hollymount club. He just loved football and it was his big outlet outside of farming.
“Willie was an absolute gentleman, a man with great faith in him, who was blessed with decency and goodness. All who knew him around here are saddened with the tragedy that took place at the family home,” said a neighbour at the weekend.
Reposing was at Roundfort Community Funeral Home on Sunday with removal to The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Roundfort. Burial took place in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass on Monday.
Willie, who was one of a family of three, was predeceased by his sister Mary and his brother John. He is survived by relatives, neighbours and friends.