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 Roscommon, was planning to adapt his home for his partner, who has been in rehabilitation for the past two years.
Alice Hetherton suffered a bleed on the brain and an aneurysm in May 2023[/caption]
Emergency services attended the scene after a report shortly before 7pm on Wednesday evening.
It is understood that the fire completely destroyed the house in The Oaks estate.
And it is still unclear what caused the fire.
Mr Deegan, who is originally from Dublin died at the scene.
His body was removed and taken to Galway University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
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.
“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.”
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 fundraiser was created on April 25, with a set target of raising €70,000.
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 Meath.
“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 UK and Ireland.
“Ironically Alice finds herself now in need of the support she has given to others.”
He continued: “Beaumont Hospital performed neurosurgery to stop the bleed and equally deal with the aneurysm.
“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.
