Kieran and Kathleen Flanagan lost their home and their pet dog in the fire in the village. The blaze was reported at around 8am on Tuesday morning, with both Kathleen and Kieran sustaining serious injuries and being taken to South West Acute Hospital. 

The fire completely gutted the house that Kathleen had lived in for over 40 years, and was Kieran’s home house. 

Kieran’s son Andrew Flanagan told the Herald, “They are both very lucky to be alive and to have got them both out of the house in time. My granny was in South West Acute Hospital, but she has been transferred to Millverne Residental Home in Enniskillen. She suffered a burnt hand and burnt hair. My father is in the burns unit in the Royal and we are still waiting to hear back from the specialist. The house is completely gone. There is just the shell left and everything has been burnt.”

Local woman, Joanne Cunningham set up a Go Fund Me page which has raised over £1,500 from local people and people further afield which will be used to help rebuild their home.

Andrew continued, “Everyone has been really helpful so far. We have had people and tradesmen offer their time to help us and get the house back to being habitable. Everyone has been fantastic. My granny lived in the house for over 40 years, and it is my father’s home house – I don’t think the shock has settled with her yet.” 

Five fire brigade units from Ballyshannon, Belleek and Enniskillen battled to fight the tragic blaze before it spread to the adjoining houses. Three ambulances also attended the scene. 

Andrew added, “I would also like to thank all of the emergency services who attended the scene and how fast they arrived. We would also like to say thanks to all of the hospital staff, both South West Acute Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital and the staff at the Millverne too. Our friends and family have been brilliant too, we really appreciate everything that has been done for us,” concluded Andrew.

To donate to the cause, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joanne-cunningham