An investigation is underway into the blaze which broke out in an upstairs bedroom at a house in Adamstown, Co Wexford, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Alice Connors and her daughter Mary died following the fire at their family home on Woodview Drive.

Mary was due to make her first holy communion in three months' time. Mr Connors discovered the fire when he returned home just before 2am. He raised the alarm and attempted to enter the building suffering smoke inhalation and cuts to his hands. He was subsequently taken to Wexford General Hospital.

His 17-year-old son Eddie was also in the house and managed to escape through a back window. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Alice Connors, the mother of four children, was described as a friendly woman who was deeply religious. Mary was her only daughter and the youngest child.

Local parish priest Fr Robert Nolan said Alice was a "very gentle and loving mother" and said that people were "very upset" over the tragedy.