Funeral of Swinford couple who lost their lives in blaze takes place

The funeral has taken place of Swinford couple Thomas and Eileen Mahon, who tragically lost their lives in a horrific blaze at their home last week.

The Mahon's deaths shocked the town of Swinford last Tuesday, where the couple ran a successful business, Mahon's Furniture and Flooring, for a number of years.

The blaze was reported to the emergency services in the early hours of Tuesday morning, March 26. The house was extensively damaged by the time the local fire services brought the blaze under control and the discovery of two bodies in the house was made.

The late Eileen and Tom Mahon. Pics: www.rip.ie

Local councillor John Caulfield said that the Swinford community has been left numb by the tragedy and added there has been an air of sadness in east Mayo following the deaths.

“The community was shocked and saddened by this tragedy. There is a numbness in the community at the loss of Tom and Eileen who were very well known and respected. They operated a very successful business and I had many dealings with them and they were a pleasure to deal with,” Cllr Caulfield said last week.

Thomas was a native of Ballaghaderreen while Eileen, nee Cooper, was a native of Castlerea in Co Roscommon. They are survived by their daughters, Claire and Pearl and sons-in-law, Mike and David; and their four grandchildren Maya, Bonnie, Abhainn and Phoebe and all of their extended family, neighbours and wide circle of friends.

The Mahon funeral cortege making its way through Swinford town earlier today. Pic: Conor McKeown

The Mahons reposed in the Cultural Centre in Swinford yesterday evening, where large crowds attended and their funeral ceremony took place this morning, also in the Cultural Centre. A private cremation is taking place this afternoon. May they rest in peace.