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‘A horrendous tragedy' – Tributes pour in for man killed in Roscommon fire as plans to adapt home for partner revealed
TRIBUTES are being paid to a devoted partner who died in a horror house fire in Roscommon on Wednesday evening.
Tragic Des Deegan, 72, who died in a blaze at a home in The Oaks, Frenchpark, Co
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Alice Hetherton suffered a bleed on the brain and an aneurysm in May 2023
Credit: gofundme
Emergency services attended the scene after a report shortly before 7pm on Wednesday evening.
It is understood that the fire completely destroyed the
And it is still unclear what caused the fire.
Mr Deegan, who is originally from
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His body was removed and taken to
Roscommon and Galway TD Claire Kerrane took to social media to pay tribute to the devoted partner.
She said: "Terrible news confirmed this morning that a gentleman has died in the house fire. A horrendous tragedy.
"May his gentle soul rest in peace. As a community, I know we will rally around to support in any way we can.
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"Des Deegan was one of the nicest people I've met as part of my work. It was always a pleasure to deal with him.
"My deepest condolences to his beloved partner and to his family."
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Locals added that Mr Deegan was a devoted partner to Alice Hetherton, 63, who suffered a bleed on the brain and an aneurysm in May 2023.
She has been in rehabilitation for the past two years.
Mr Deegan had launched a fundraiser to help with the financial burden of bringing Alice home.
The
Some €6,953 has been raised so far with over 101 donations.
The couple have met in London but had lived at Frenchpark for the past 25 years.
Mr Deegan wrote at the time: "I've started this fundraiser on behalf of my partner Alice Hetherton, formerly of Oldcastle Co
"Alice is 63 years old, she has worked all her life caring for others as a care worker in hospitals and nursing homes across the
"Ironically Alice finds herself now in need of the support she has given to others."
He continued: "
"The Surgeon noted it was one of the worst cases he had seen.
"Alice has been in rehabilitation for the past two years. Her mobility is very restricted and she will require continued home supports and therapies.
"Alice is frustrated that the care she is currently receiving in a nursing home could equally be carried out at home."
No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
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Des Deegan who died in a house fire at a house in Roscommon on Wednesday evening
