Relatives of a retired couple who died in a house fire near Innishannon, Co Cork, have expressed deep gratitude to the emergency crews who responded to the blaze. William “Willie” Hawkes and Geraldine “Tina” Hawkes, both in their 70s, died after fire broke out at their dormer bungalow in Raheen, Crossbarry, on Tuesday morning.
What happened in the Cork house fire?
The couple’s family said they were thankful for the “kindness, care and efforts” shown by firefighters, ambulance personnel and Gardaí during what they described as an exceptionally difficult time.
Emergency services were called at approximately 7.30am after Willie Hawkes contacted for help. Crews from Cork City Fire Service and Bandon attended the property, alongside Gardaí and ambulance responders.
By the time crews arrived, the fire had taken hold of the bungalow. The couple could not be saved, and their remains were later located inside the property.
- Two people died in a house fire near Innishannon, Co Cork.
- The victims were retired couple William and Geraldine Hawkes.
- Emergency services attended the property after a call at about 7.30am.
- An inquest will take place in due course.
- The cause of the fire has not been established publicly.
Family pays tribute to emergency crews
In a notice shared through Rip.ie, relatives thanked the fire service, ambulance crews and Gardaí for their response. The message acknowledged the care and compassion shown by the services as the family dealt with the deaths.
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community. Social Democrats councillor Ann Bambury described the loss as heartbreaking and said the area was mourning the couple.
Her message extended sympathy to the couple’s relatives, neighbours and friends as they faced the aftermath of the fire.
Who were Willie and Tina Hawkes?
The couple were well known in the area and had both contributed to their community through their working lives.
Willie Hawkes had recently retired from his role as a milk recorder with Munster Bovine. Geraldine, known locally as Tina, previously worked as a midwife at Bon Secours Hospital in Cork city.
Following her retirement, she shared her sewing skills by teaching classes locally. Friends and neighbours remembered the couple as familiar and well-liked members of the community.
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Investigation and inquest
The deaths are being treated as a tragic incident. The bodies were transferred to Cork University Hospital, where postmortem examinations are expected to be carried out.
An inquest will be held at a later date. At this stage, no public cause of the fire has been confirmed, and any further findings will depend on the postmortem process and the work of investigators.
When a fatal fire occurs, investigators typically examine the property, establish how the fire developed and assess any available evidence from emergency responders. The inquest will consider the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
What happens next?
Funeral arrangements for Willie and Tina Hawkes are still being finalised. Details are expected to be shared by the family when arrangements are complete.
For local residents, the incident is a reminder of the importance of household fire safety, particularly in homes where smoke alarms may be old, inaccessible or not regularly tested. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management advises households to install working smoke alarms and plan escape routes.
- Test smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries when needed.
- Keep escape routes clear, especially near bedrooms and stairways.
- Make sure everyone in the home knows how to call 112 or 999.
- Never re-enter a burning property.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the fire happen?
The fire occurred at a dormer bungalow in Raheen, Crossbarry, near Innishannon in Co Cork.
Who died in the incident?
The victims were married couple William “Willie” Hawkes and Geraldine “Tina” Hawkes, who were both in their 70s.
When did emergency crews attend?
Emergency services were called at about 7.30am on Tuesday. Cork City and Bandon firefighters, Gardaí and ambulance crews attended.
Will there be an inquest?
Yes. An inquest will be held in due course, while postmortem examinations are being conducted at Cork University Hospital.
A community mourns
The deaths of Willie and Tina Hawkes have left relatives, friends and neighbours grieving across the Innishannon area. Their family’s message of thanks recognises the efforts of the emergency services while the circumstances of the tragedy continue to be examined.
This developing Breaking News Ireland story will be updated when further confirmed information becomes available, including funeral arrangements and details arising from the inquest.