Pensioner who died after being found by roadside had lost home in fire last May

Sunday World

20-07-2025

Gardaí are keeping an open mind about the circumstances in which Gus Dempsey (77) died
A pensioner who died after being discovered unresponsive on a Cork road had his accommodation plight raised in the Dáil earlier this year after his home and all his possessions were destroyed in an accidental fire.
Gardaí are keeping an open mind about the circumstances in which Gus Dempsey (77) died outside Bandon on Saturday.
A post mortem examination will be conducted at Cork University Hospital (CUH) by the Office of the State Pathologist and Gardaí said its findings will determine the nature of their investigation.
However, there is no indication the death is in any way suspicious.
Mr Dempsey from Ballinadee, Co Cork was discovered lying unresponsive on a roadside outside Bandon on Saturday morning.
A bicycle was discovered nearby.
"Shortly before 6:30am, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted after a male in his 70s was found unresponsive on a local road in the Kildarra area of Bandon," a Garda spokesperson said.
"He was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later.
"The coroner has been notified and the deceased has since been removed to the mortuary at Cork University Hospital (CUH).
"A post-mortem examination will be arranged and the outcome will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
"Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. In particular, they are seeking information regarding a male observed cycling on roads in the vicinity of Kildarra in the early hours of Saturday.
"Additionally, any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling in the area at the time asked to make it available to Gardaí.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on 023 885 2200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
Gus Dempsey. Photo credit: Southern Star
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 20th
Mr Dempsey had worked as a farmer and his home was destroyed in an accidental fire almost three months ago.
He lost his home in Horsehill, Ballinadee outside Bandon on May 5 after a blaze broke out onsite.
The pensioner was unmarried.
He was a well-known figure in the Bandon, Ballinadee and Innishannon areas and relied on a bicycle for travel.
His plight was highlighted by The Southern Star in the immediate aftermath of the house blaze.
He explained that he farmed all his life and wanted to stay living in the countryside he knew so well.
Mr Dempsey said that he was fortunate not to have been at home when the fire occurred at his rural property.
"Thank God I was out when the fire took hold but it has left me without anything," he said.
"All the top floor went. There was smoke and water damage and everything downstairs was destroyed. It is gone.
"I was living there since early 1993 so it was a bit of a shock. I would not wish it on anybody. I had little bits and pieces, mementos inside that were precious. They were lost which is an awful shame. I was very sad about it.'
His accommodation plight was raised in the Dáil by Cork South West TD Michael Collins.
There was no social housing available for the elderly farmer.
He said there were concerns that Mr Dempsey may end up homeless given that he only had temporary use of a property supplied by a kind-hearted neighbour.
"Gus is homeless today," Mr Collins warned the Dáil.
"His house burned down. His neighbour - who was brilliant - gave him a place to move into but their family is coming home and he has to be out by a certain date.
"Now he has no home - he does not know if he will be sleeping on the street.
"That man is in an awful situation because he could end up in a nursing home when he does not need to be in a nursing home.
"That is the (social housing) crisis that we have in this country."
The Cork Coroner's Office has been notified and Gardaí will prepare a file for an inquest to be staged next year.