Man who died in Frenchpark house fire devoted to his partner of 35 years
The late Des Deegan.
The man who died in a house fire in Frenchpark was devoted to his partner of 35 years who is currently in a nursing home, it has emerged.
Dublin native Des Deegan (72) tragically lost his life in the fire which broke out yesterday evening, Wednesday, at his home in The Oaks housing estate just after 7 p.m..
He and his partner Alice Hetherton (62) from Meath originally met in London and after living there for 25 years decided to sell their house and return home to Ireland.
The couple first moved to Kerry and then to Ballinlough and finally bought a home in The Oaks, Frenchpark about two years ago.
In May 2023, Alice suffered a major health setback and has been living in a nursing home since July of last year.
Des was determined to fulfil Alice’s wish to come home and recently set up a gofundme page in a bid to raise the necessary funds to adapt the house in Frenchpark.
He recently spoke to the Roscommon Herald about his fundraiser and her determination to move back home.
Des visited Alice every day in the nursing home and made daily visits when she was previously in hospitals in Dublin and Sligo.
Meanwhile, gardaí are continuing to investigate the cause of yesterday's fatal house fire.
