Tributes have poured in for a couple who perished in a fire in Co Cork.
William and Geraldine Hawkes tragically died in a fire at their home in Raheen, Crossbarry, near Inishannon in West Cork, earlier this week.
Ms Hawkes (née Sullivan) was a former midwife in the Bons Secours Hospital in Cork City, while her husband was a retired milk recorder. The couple were also very active in their community; Ms Hawkes teaching a sewing class in Knockavilla, while Mr Hawkes was well-known in farming circles around the county.
Ms Hawkes’ death notice reads that she is the beloved wife of the late Willie, and loving sister of Lesley Rowan and the late Barry. She is sadly missed by her sister, niece, nephews, grandniece, grandnephew, extended family and friends.
Mr Hawkes’ death notice adds that he is the beloved husband of the late Geraldine, and is sadly missed by his brothers Michael (Tony) and Peter, nephew, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended family and friends.
Tributes have poured in for the couple following the tragedy, and both were remembered as kind and an ‘inspiration to us all.’
‘I worked many a night duty in the Bons with Ger. Her kindness and gentleness came so effortlessly to her,’ one wrote. ‘The Mums were very lucky. She had such a beautiful softness about her,’ while another added of Willie: ‘He was one nice fellow in Knockavilla school, back in the day. Rest in Peace.’
‘Ger was an inspiration to us all, not only in the exceptional care and compassion she gave to the women she looked after, but in the person she was every single day,’ another added. ‘She had such a special way of caring for others, and her kindness, dedication and genuine love for midwifery made her someone to admire and cherish.’
The couple’s families paid tribute to Gardaí and the emergency services during the tragedy, saying they ‘would like to express their sincere gratitude to the fire service, ambulance, and Gardaí for their kindness, care and efforts they made during this difficult time.’
The incident occurred shortly after 8am on Tuesday morning (October 20). The house was significantly damaged in the fire, and both Mr and Mrs Hawkes were pronounced dead at the scene.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to contact Mallow Garda station on 026 20590.
