Fire victims named

The two men who died in a fire in Kells in he early hours of yesday Thursday morning were named locally as Martin (Biggy) Reilly of Blackthorn Close, Kells and John Power of Navan.

Gardaí and emergency services were called to the house at 3am on Thursday morning.

The men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Another man and a woman, who were in the house at the time, were uninjured.

Gardaí said they were "investigating all circumstances of this incident".

The local community was reeling in the wake of the tragedy.

Deputy Johnny Guirke described it as a terrible shock and tragedy.

“This is terribly sad news. Our thoughts are with their families,” he said.

Deputy Thomas Byrne said: “My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. May the victims rest in peace. Thinking also of our emergency services at this time."

Due to Government Regulations and HSE Guidelines regarding public gatherings the funerals will be held privately.