Gardaí Renew Appeal For Information Into Fatal Kilcock House Fire In 1987

Friday, 30 October 2026 at 14:26

By Daniel Maher

In 2017, it was updated to a murder investigation

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for information in relation to a fatal house fire in Kilcock almost 40 years ago.

The fire claimed the lives of three people, who were in the house on Church Lane on 20 September 1987.

In 2017, it was updated to a murder investigation, after new evidence came into possession of Gardaí, with the fire believed to have been started deliberately.

Barbara Doyle, 20, and her two nieces, three-year-old Kerrie Byrne and her eight-year-old sister Mary Ellen, died in the fire.

The children’s parents Aidan and Elizabeth went to a 21st party that night in the locality.

Elizabeth’s sister Barbara Doyle babysat her two nieces, Mary Ellen and Kerrie Anne in their home.

Between 3am and 4am that Sunday morning a fire was reported at the house.

Gardaí "firmly believe that there are persons in the community who have information in relation to this fire".

They say the incident is still open and under investigation, with an Incident Room in Leixlip Garda Station.

This is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer attached to Kildare/Carlow Serious Crime Hub.

An Garda Siochana Kildare/Carlow Serious Crime Hub continue to appeal for any person or persons with any new information around the events of the early hours of 20 September 1987 at Church lane, Kilcock to contact them.

Contact can be made to Leixlip Garda Station on 01 6667800 or the Garda confidential Line on 1800 666 111.