A 79-year-old woman died yesterday following a fire at her home in Keernaun, Headford, Co Galway.
The woman was named as Mrs Peggy Gill.
Three other people were in the bungalow at the time of the fire but managed to escape from the burning building.
Mrs Gill's husband (79), daughter (45) and sister (79) all escaped. They were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and were subsequently discharged.
The fire broke out in the bungalow at about 2.30 a.m. When the alarm was raised three units of the Galway Fire Brigade arrived. It is believed Mrs Gill was trapped in a room at the back of the house.
The building was destroyed by the fire and a Garda forensic investigation began into the possible causes. A post-mortem was due to be held later yesterday at University College Hospital, Galway.
The family returned from England a number of years ago.