Tragic Limerick Christmas house fire victim remembered as a ‘gentleman of integrity’

THE LATE James (Pius) Collins, aged in his late 60s, has been remembered in Masses and prayers following his tragic passing in a house fire in County Limerick on Tuesday. 

Canon Thomas Mangan, who attended the tragic scene in Mountcollins, said: “I’m terribly sorry to see this awful accident happening and so close to Christmas. It is extremely sad and for his family.”

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The blaze occurred in a two-storey farmhouse at West End, Mountcollins on Tuesday, December 16. Firefighters from Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West and Castleisland all responded to the blaze at 11.32am.

As they fought the fire, they made the sad discovery. No foul play is suspected. It is not known how the fire started.

Canon Mangan said it is terribly sad and described Mr Collins as a very nice and lovely man. He was a retired farmer who worked hard all his life. Mr Collins was a very quiet man who lived on his own and was very well-got in his locality.

“We have been remembering him at Masses and in our prayers,” said Canon Mangan, who thanked the fire brigade and gardai for responding so quickly.

Mr Collins' funeral arrangements have been announced. He will repose at Harnett’s Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale this Sunday from 5pm until 7pm.

Removal on Monday to The Church of The Assumption Mountcollins, to arrive for Requiem Mass at 11am. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Predeceased by his parents Patrick (P.C.) and Ellen (Nell), sister Bridie and brother-in-law James Fitzpatrick, Mr Collins is very sadly missed by his loving sisters Eileen and Noreen, brother-in-law Denis (Den) Lane, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, cousins, neighbours and large circle of friends.

Many fond messages of condolences have been paid on rip.ie

Mr Collins has been remembered as “a decent and honourable man”; “always very pleasant to meet” and a “gentleman of integrity who will be missed by so many”.

May he rest in peace.