Bachelor Mayo farmer who died in house fire is named locally

AN 82-year-old Mayo farmer died in a fire at his home early today despite the desperate efforts of neighbours and firemen to save him.

The victim, named locally as William (Willie) Brannick, was single and lived alone at Ballymangan, Hollymount, Claremorris.

A neighbour raised the alarm after midnight when he noticed flames shooting from the roof of the two-storey farmhouse.

Fire units from nearby Ballinrobe and Claremorris rushed to the scene.

Mr. Brannick's remains were discovered in the upstairs portion of the house by firemen wearing breathing equipment.

They were taken from the burning building via a window and brought to Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar where a post mortem is to take place later.

Mayo Chief Fire Officer Seamus Murphy, who attended the scene, said the building was well ablaze by the team fire crews arrived.

“It's a terriby sad event," Mr. Murphy commented.

“There is significant damage to the building," he added.

Fr. Michael Murphy, parish priest in Roundfort/Hollymount, said this afternoon the community is saddened by the tragedy.

“Willie was a quiet, peaceful individual," the PP commented.

Despite his advancing years, Mr. Brannick was still an active farmer.

His late father, Michael Brannick, who died in the late 1970s, was a former Brigadier General in the Irish Free State Army.