An investigation is under way after two people died in a fire at a house in Cork last night.
Emergency services were called to the scene on the Lower Glanmire Road at around 11.15pm.
The bodies of a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s, who have been named locally as John and Gay O'Donnell, were found after the fire was brought under control.
The couple had lived in the house for decades and were parents to one adult son. They had also just become grandparents for the first time.
Their bodies were removed to Cork University Hospital, where post-mortem examinations are due to be carried out.
The fire broke out at the four-storey terraced house close to Kent Railway Station.
The alarm was raised by neighbours, but the fire developed quickly, making conditions difficult for the emergency services.
Fine Gael Councillor Joe Kavanagh lives near the house and said that he could get a smell of burning last night as he was locking his house, but initially thought it could be a chimney fire in the area.
"I woke up at six o'clock this morning to hear the news and made a few phone calls and got several phone calls from residents in the area whom I know well," Mr Kavanagh said.
"I'm closely involved with the Lower Glanmire Road Residents' Association, and we all know each other here. Our local community here is a very tight-knit community and this loss is a tragic loss for our local community.
"For two elderly residents who lived their lives here, who raised their families here, who were an active part of this local community, and to be taken so tragically and so suddenly has rocked this local community.
"Not only has it rocked this local community, I can't even imagine how their family feels."
He offered his condolences to the family and friends and neighbours of the O'Donnells.
"It's an absolute tragedy for the area," Mr Kavanagh said.
"When you don't expect something to happen and it happens, it knocks you for six. I have to say this morning when I heard the news, and I heard who it was, it doesn't matter who it is, when I heard two elderly people who have given so much to the local community in so many ways, the fabric of the community has been torn asunder."
Seven fire appliances, including high reach, water tanker and command and control vehicles, were on the scene along with senior fire officers.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact Mayfield Garda Station on 021-4558510, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
