By Sean Moriarty

The twin sister and son of the woman who was rescued from a house fire in Killarney on Friday night have praised the fast action of neighbours and Emergency Services.

Nora Duggan told the Killarney Advertiser that her sister, Margaret Moore would “not be here today” if two neighbours had not responded so quickly.

Emergency Services were called to reports of a fire at Arbutus Grove at 9.20pm on Friday.

On arrival to the scene, Emergency Services did not observe any obvious signs of a fire. However, when they reached the back of the house, they could see smoke billowing from a window.

“Theresa and James, they live each side of my sister, they made the first calls,” Nora told the Killarney Advertiser. “I don’t know these people very well but they are always very good to my sister."

There was no reason to believe that the homeowner was inside so an attempt was made to enter. Efforts to gain entry through the front door were unsuccessful. A small window was then smashed, and Gardaí managed to unlock the door.

Garda Eddie Meaney, Garda Martine Desmond, Garda Tom Moynihan and Garda Patrick Finnegan entered the property which was filled with smoke. They found a woman lying on the floor and ascertained she was conscious but motionless. The woman was lifted from the floor by Gardaí and quickly taken outside where she received medical attention from Garda Martina Desmond and Garda Meaney.

“She was in a pretty bad way when they found her,” added Nora. “When I arrived they were giving her oxygen. I was shaking, it was big fright to get. She would not be here today only for Theresa and James and the Emergency Services, fire and ambulance.”

The fire was later extinguished by local fire services and Mrs Moore, aged in her 60s, was taken to University Hospital Kerry where she received treatment for her injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening but she remained under medical supervision at the hospital this afternoon (Monday).

“She is waiting for doctors to see if they can let her home or keep her another while,” added her twin.

“The house is not too bad, mainly smoke damage.”

Her son Declan added: “She would not be alive only for her neighbours, and the fire service were absolutely brilliant, they eased the burden on me by the time I got there. When I get a chance I am going to buy the Guards, Ambulance crew and firemen some lottery tickets."