Tragedy Strikes as Master Brewer Peter Lyall Dies in House Fire
A man who lost his life in a house fire in Hollyhill on the northside of Cork city overnight has been identified as Peter Lyall, a master brewer who was highly respected within the drinks industry. The incident occurred at his home in Ardcullen estate in Hollyhill, where a fire broke out around 12:45am on Monday. Mr Lyall, aged 62, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
Firefighters from Anglesea Street and Ballyvolane stations responded swiftly to the call. A woman managed to escape the two-storey terraced property and was taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital. Fortunately, her injuries are not considered life-threatening. Authorities have confirmed that a postmortem examination will be conducted on Mr Lyall at the hospital, while a forensic team will investigate the scene to determine the origin of the fire.
A Life of Contribution and Kindness
Mr Lyall had a long and distinguished career in the brewing industry, serving as the master brewer at the prestigious Franciscan Well Brewery in Cork for over two decades. His work there earned him a reputation for excellence and dedication. After leaving the brewery, he continued to contribute to the local community, taking on roles at a location on the Marina.
Mary Crilly, CEO of the Sexual Violence Centre in Cork, shared heartfelt memories of Mr Lyall. She described him as “the kindest of souls” and highlighted his generosity and willingness to help others. “He was working there (the Franciscan Well) for a long time. Then he moved (job) to (a location) on the Marina. He was a gorgeous person. I was mad about him.”
Crilly also spoke about how she and her colleagues came to know Mr Lyall after moving near the well ten years ago. “We were renovating a house there and I got to know him fairly early. Because if I needed someone to lift something, Peter would be there. He was just lovely.”
She added that Mr Lyall was always ready to assist, often showing up “in a blink (of an eye) to do something for you.” The Franciscan Well Brewery had also supported the Sexual Violence Centre through fundraising efforts, with Mr Lyall playing a key role in those initiatives. “He was very special. I am gutted about him because we were fond of him.”
Community Mourns a Beloved Figure
A neighbor in Hollyhill described Mr Lyall as “a lovely chap, a big friendly guy” who will be deeply missed in the area. His passing has left a significant void in the community, particularly among those who knew him personally.
An inquest is expected to be held in due course to examine the circumstances surrounding his death. While funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized, the community is coming together to honor the memory of a man who touched many lives through his kindness, professionalism, and commitment to his work.
