A MAN aged in his 60s who died following a house fire in Co Meath yesterday morning has been named as the Martin O’Malley.
The Dublin native, who lived locally in Moynalty, was known for his work as location manager and small on screen appearance on the film adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s The Commitments.
Gardai attended the scene yesterday morning[/caption]
It is understood that emergency services were alerted to the fire at a house in Moynalty, north of Kells, at around 9am.
Gardai and emergency services attended the scene and Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze.
However, the 67-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan where a post-mortem will take place.
Gardai are carrying out a technical examination of the scene however it is understood that officers do not believe foul play was involved.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal house fire in Moynalty, Kells, Co, Meath, Monday 24th February, 2025 at approximately 9am.
“A man, aged in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“His body was removed to Our Lady’s Hospital Navan, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.
“The fire was extinguished by the local fire service.”
The spokesperson continued: “A technical examination of the scene is being carried out. No further information is available at this time.”
ON-SCREEN WORK
It is understood victim Mr O’Malley lived alone at the property.
He was originally from Dublin but had been living in Meath for the past 10 years.
Along with his role as the Location Manager for the hit Irish film The Commitments he also had some screen time.
Mr O’Malley also had a small role in the film, appearing on screen as a priest.
He had also appeared in the Back to Barrytown documentary on RTE in 2021.
The documentary was special to mark the 30 year anniversary of the film.
Posting at the time of the documentary airing in 2021 then local councillor Paul McCabe wrote: “Brilliant to see Moynalty resident, Martin O’Malley on RTEs ‘Back to Barrytown’ tonight.
“Martin was the Location Director on The Commitments 30 years ago.”
He shared a photo of Mr O’Malley speaking on the documentary alongside the post.
