Sligo brothers who died in fire to be laid to rest today

Olivia Kelleher

The funeral will be held on Saturday of two brothers in their eighties who died when a fire broke out at their home in Carrowpadden, Rathlee, Easkey in Co Sligo.

Patrick (Pa) and Seamus Cuffe were found dead on December 28th last.

The emergency services had been called to their home following an overnight fire. Post-mortem examinations were carried out at Sligo University Hospital.

A requiem mass will take place at noon today at St James Church in Easkey, followed by burial at Roslea cemetery. The mass will be live-streamed.

The brothers were predeceased by their parents James and Linda, sisters Angela Finnerty, Nora Cavanagh, infant baby sister Mary and brother in law Michael John Finnerty,

They are survived by their brothers Vincent and Donald, sisters in law Maura and Anne, brother in law Mattie Cavanagh, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Meanwhile, Cllr Michael Clarke previously told Ocean FM that Pa and Seamus were “very well respected” in the local community.

“They were very active men for their age. They attended the mart every week and Seamus was out on his bicycle until recently.

"It brings the Christmas to a stop in this west Sligo community. Two such lovely gentlemen to have an end to their lives in such a tragic way… it is desperately hard to accept. They lived long, healthy lives. It is a very tragic occasion.

"We were there when they were removed to Sligo General Hospital for the autopsy after the forensic team ended their investigations. It was a very sad and poignant moment for the local people and for the nephews and nieces who attended outside the house.”

Neighbours said that the men were very highly regarded in the local community and always “had a word” for everyone they met.