A BLACKENED Christmas wreath lay at the front door of the house in Donaghmede in north Dublin yesterday after a fire which claimed the life of one man and left his wife in a critical condition.
Edward Lawlor (50) died in the fire at his semi-detached home in Nurney Lawn, The Donahies. The condition of his 48-year-old wife was described by medical staff at Beaumont Hospital as "very critical" last night.
The fire started in the kitchen, where Mr Lawlor was found and the cause of the fire was not thought to be suspicious.
Mrs Lawlor was discovered unconscious on the stairs, but she was resuscitated on the way to Beaumont Hospital and remained in a very critical condition yesterday.
The couple's three sons were not in the house at the time. Their two dogs were found dead in the sitting-room at the front of the house.
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said he noticed the smoke coming from the house at about 11pm on New Year's Eve.
Dublin Fire Brigade received an emergency call at 11.04pm and two engines were at the scene at 11.09pm.
A third pump was sent to the scene shortly afterwards. The neighbour said the fire appeared to have taken hold very quickly and neighbours were powerless to help.
"The fire brigade was up fairly rapidly and the lads did their best, but the fire spread very fast."
The neighbour said Mr Lawlor had lived in the area for years and was very well-regarded.
"It's very sad. He was very well-liked, a lovely person and a great neighbour.
"I was very fond of him, I have to say."
The house was sealed off yesterday and preserved for technical examination. A car remained in the driveway and the wheelie-bin stood at one pier, awaiting collection.
A black polo shirt with a Manchester United logo was draped over the second pier and bouquets of flowers were stacking up at the wall.
"RIP Eddie" read one.
A Garda spokesman said the investigation into the fire was being led by Coolock Garda station.
He said it was too early to say what caused the fire.
Parish priest Fr Eoin McCrystal prayed for Mr Lawlor and his family at morning Mass in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Donaghmede yesterday.
