Woman who died in house fire in Co Limerick named locally
David Raleigh
Tributes poured in for a woman whose body was found in her home in Limerick, following a house fire, on Saturday.
The deceased was named locally as the mother of two, Marguerite “Marge” Neville, of Chesterfield Downs, Singland, Limerick.
Ms Neville had recently retired from a long career as an employee at Dunnes Stores, Parkway Shopping Centre, Limerick, where she was regarded by co-workers as a “real lady”.
“All her colleagues will miss her terribly,” said a friend.
“She was a real lady” they added.
Tributes appeared in online posts too. One woman wrote: “I Can't believe it. I knew this lady. May she fly with The Angels & God above...Heartbreaking. Only met her last Tuesday & full of life. Bless her family at this awful time. May she rest in peace .”
Another stated: “I can’t believe it, such a beautiful woman.”
Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Catherine Slattery said she was “very saddened” to hear of Ms Neville’s “tragic death”.
Ms Slattery said Ms Neville had been a popular member of staff at Dunne’s Stores and sent her “condolences” to Ms Neville’s family and friends.
“It's just devastating for the community. May she rest in peace.”
Floral tributes were also left outside Ms Neville’s home, which was completely destroyed in the fire.
Firefighters attached to Mulgrave Street fire station, Limerick City, had responded to the blaze and discovered the woman’s body inside the property shortly after 5 pm.
Emergency services had been alerted by a member of the public and firefighters were on the scene within a few minutes.
The two-storey home, situated in a quiet cul de sac, remained cordoned off by gardaí throughout Sunday, to allow for a Garda forensic examination take place at the property.
Although gardaí did not suspect foul play, they said the course of their investigation would be determined by the outcome of the forensic examination as well as the results of a post mortem on the deceased's remains.
Forensic investigators arrived at the house Sunday as neighbours looked on at the tragic scene.
A statement released by the Garda Press Office Saturday stated: “Gardaí are investigating a fatal house fire that occurred on Saturday evening, 17 January 2026 in Singland, Limerick city.”
“Emergency services were alerted to the fire at a residence in Chesterfield Downs at approximately 5:30 pm.”
“A female, aged in her 60s, has been pronounced deceased at the scene. No other injuries were reported.”
“The outcome of a post-mortem examination will determine the course of the Garda investigation.”
