The scene in Mount Temple yesterday.

Firefighter injured as blaze destroys Mount Temple home

A firefighter was taken to hospital following a blaze in Mount Temple yesterday, which completely destroyed the family home of Nigel and Lisa Grennan.

Athlone Fire Brigade were alerted to a domestic fire at Mount Temple at lunch time yesterday (Thursday).

“On arrival, the house was fully involved in the fire which had breached the roof.

“During the course of firefighting operations, a wall collapsed and a firefighter was struck by falling debris,” a statement from the fire services this morning confirmed.

"He was treated for suspected ankle fracture at the scene and transferred by ambulance to the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore where he underwent treatment for his injuries.

Westmeath County Council is currently investigating the incident."

Unfortunately, the home of Nigel and Lisa Grennan was completely burned to the ground in the incident.

Since then, the local community has quickly sprung into action, setting up a GoFundMe page which has already raised over €31,000 for the couple, who thankfully, were not in the house at the time.

“We as a community, are devastated for the incredible loss of their family home, which was built and completed only two years ago.

"Fortunately, Lisa, Nigel and their two young children were not in the house at the time, but they now face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives and their home following the loss of everything they own,” the GoFundMe page set up for the Nigel, who is a former Offaly footballer, and his wife Lisa, a well known local singer, who only recently launched a video with Simon Casey.

Cllr John Dolan, who knows the couple well, said the whole area is devastated for such a popular family.

“The community were quick to act and all we can do now is look forward and see where we can do to help. That's where communities are great at rallying around.

“We can just be glad the family is okay, the house can be replaced, and will be,” he added.

Cllr John Dolan sent his his best wishes to the injured firefighter, saying that it just shows how essential services like these, put their lives on the line for us all everytime they are called out.

You can donate to the Grennan Family Relief Fund here: