Tributes paid to Longford husband and wife who died unexpectedly at their Granard home

Tributes have been paid to a Longford husband and wife who died unexpectedly at their residence on the outskirts of Granard.

The bodies of Paul and Morag Kavanagh were discovered in their home in Killasonna, on the outskirts of Granard at approximately 8pm last Saturday, January 6.

Granard parish priest, Fr Simon Cadam, described Mr and Mrs Kavanagh as ‘a very decent couple’.

Fr Cadam told the Leader, “The mother was English and the father was from Dublin and they moved to Killasonna about 30 years ago. They have a lovely son and daughter, Shaun and Jessica.”

The Granard priest said the community will rally together after this tragedy.

“It is a close knit community. They always help each other particularly in difficult times. Granard is a strong community, the people of Killasonna will be of great support to the bereaved at this difficult time.”

A private cremation service will take place for the late Paul and Morag Kavanagh at Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Road, Cavan on Sunday, January 14 at 12 noon.

Paul & Morag will be sadly missed by their heartbroken families, and sympathy is extended to their son Shaun and his partner Karen, daughter Jessica and her boyfriend Callum, granddaughter Emma, grandson Casey, brothers, sisters, extended families, friends and neighbours. May they Rest In Peace.

The cremation service can be viewed on this link www.churchservices.tv/lakelands

Local Councillor PJ Reilly spoke of the “shock and sadness” around north Longford following the tragic discovery.

“It's a huge shock to the community that an incident like this should happen,” Cllr Reilly said.

He added, “There is a real shock and sadness among the family, their close friends and neighbours. It's a very rural part of the area.”

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It's understood that a family member, with the support of a neighbour, raised the alarm when they were unable to gain access to the property which is a short distance from Killasonna national school.

The investigation into the deaths is continuing.

Initially, it was speculated that the cause of the deaths was carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gardaí have indicated there is no criminal investigation and a file is being prepared for the Coroner's Court.

A Garda press office spokesperson said, “An Garda Síochána does not release the details of post-mortem examinations for operational reasons. 'There is no update on this investigation at this time.”

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Carbon monoxide (also known as CO) is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause illness, loss of consciousness and death.

Household appliances cause most cases of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide.

Cllr Reilly stressed the importance of detection of the hazardous gas.

“It's so important that people have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in their homes. They need to be checked to ensure they are in working order. This is particularly important during the winter months.”

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