A man in his 70s and woman in her 60s have died in a house fire in Dublin.
The couple have been named locally as Michael and Beatrice Hurley.
An investigation is under way to establish the cause of the blaze, which broke out shortly before 10pm last night at Beach Park in Portmarnock.
The fire was brought under control by Dublin Fire Brigade and the bodies of the two people were then found inside the house.
They have preserved the scene as they try to establish the cause of the fire.
The two had lived in the home for more than 40 years.
The couple were well-known in the community, and both were involved in sport locally, with Beatrice involved badminton, and Michael in squash.
This evening his local club posted a message remembering how he was a founding member of the Portmarnock Sport and Leisure Club in the early 80s, describing him as a pivotal part of the growth of the area's squash community, and" a proper Cork gentleman".
The bodies have been taken to the Dublin City Mortuary in Whitehall where a post-mortem examination is being conducted by the State Pathologist.
Overnight firefighters were called to a well developed house fire in #Portmarnock. Crews in breathing apparatus fought the fire and sadly, the remains of 2 people were discovered. Our thoughts are with the families, friends and community at this difficult time 📸 file pic.twitter.com/0S98KIx0Nu
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) December 6, 2020
Gardaí are appealing to witnesses to contact Malahide Garda Station on 01-666 4600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
