Couple discovered lifeless in dwelling 9 years after their two youngsters died in horror fireplace

This is the tragic couple found dead at their home – nine years after the heartbreaking deaths of their two young children in a horrific fire.

The bodies of Bridgid ‘Biddy’ O’Brien, 45, and her partner Jamie McGinn, 38, were found at their property on the Dublin-Wicklow border in the early hours of Wednesday morning (October 21) – with their deaths now the focus of a major Garda investigation.

However, sources suggest that officers do not currently believe foul play was involved in either death. Mr McGinn, whose body was found just outside the Bray home, had visible injuries, according to sources.

They added, though, that there was no indication Ms O’Brien had sustained any injuries. Gardai do not believe anyone else was involved in their deaths.

Two full post-mortem examinations are due to take place, with gardai hoping these will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths, reports Belfast Live.

Sources also revealed that detectives will likely need to wait several weeks for toxicology results to come back.

The couple never got over losing their children Jordan, four, and three year old Holly, who died in a fire that also took the lives of their aunt and a young cousin in west Dublin during March 2017.

“It is another terrible tragedy for the family,” a source Irish Mirror.

Biddy and Jamie were found dead at their Cois Cairn home on Bray’s Old Connaught Road at around 8am on Wednesday. Gardai have confirmed that post-mortem results will dictate the direction of their investigation.

In a formal statement, officers said: “Gardaí from the Serious Crime Unit, DMR East, continue to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of two bodies at a residential property in Bray, Co. Dublin.

“Shortly after 8:00am, Gardaí were alerted following the discovery of the bodies of a male aged in his 30s and a female aged in her 40s at a residence on Old Connaught Avenue, Bray.

“Both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene. The bodies of both have been removed to the City Morgue at Whitehall where a post mortem examination will be completed by State Pathologist, Dr. Sally Anne Collis over the course of this evening and tomorrow.

“The results of the post mortem examination will assist Gardaí in determining the course of the investigation going forward.”

Police have also appealed for witnesses to step forward, stating: “The scene remains preserved for technical examination this evening, 21st October 2026.

“A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is leading the investigation from an incident room at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station.

“Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to support the bereaved families.

“An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information in relation to this incident to contact Dun Laoghaire Garda Station on (01) 666 5000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

The couple were devastated by the March 2017 blaze that claimed the lives of Jordan and Holly – while leaving Biddy fighting for her life.

The tragedy struck when she brought her children to stay overnight with her sister Anne Marie O’Brien at a refuge in Clondalkin.

The fire broke out at the refuge, killing Biddy’s two children – along with Anne Marie, who was seven months pregnant, and her two-year-old daughter Paris.

Biddy, the only survivor of the blaze, spent several weeks in intensive care and didn’t regain consciousness until roughly a month after the disaster.

James then faced the devastating ordeal of breaking the news to her that their children, along with Anne Marie and little Paris, had all perished in the fire.

A subsequent inquest ruled the fire was accidental, most likely caused by a tea light or candle setting alight a large television screen.

Tributes flooded in online for the couple on Wednesday from friends.

One wrote: “RIP Jamie and Biddy, sleep well mate, back with your babies now.”

Another posted: “Can’t believe this, rest in peace the both of you.”

A further tribute read: “Our hearts are shattered. Not a day went by without u calling into us for some lunch or dinner or a chat – how life can go on without that big laugh that helping hand around our home?”.

“You left too soon, no chance of good bye.

“Hug and hold your babies, they deserve to have you back with them. We love you always miss you forever.”

Sinn Féin Wicklow TD John Brady described how the local community had been left reeling by the couple’s tragic deaths.

“(It is) absolutely devastating for the community here within the area,” he told RTÉ.

He went on: “I think a real sense of disbelief that a tragedy such as this is unfolding. Speaking to a lot of the locals here, (there is) just a real sense of shock and disbelief.

“My thoughts are with the family, the wider community here and indeed the extended family of both victims.

“I’m conscious there is extended family here within the estate as well, so real shock within the community. These people would have been well known in the community,” he said.

“It is very, very much a tight-knit community here. Everyone knows everyone.”

Both had battled with substance abuse issues in the wake of losing their children, with Mr McGinn falling into drug addiction.

In February 2024, he was handed an 18-month jail term after pleading guilty to possessing nearly €200,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis – which he was keeping for a drugs gang.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Mr McGinn took responsibility for the narcotics. He was arrested and made admissions following the seizure the previous year.

He told gardai that he had an €8,000 drug debt and was storing the substances to reduce what he owed.

The court was also informed his only other convictions related to road traffic offences.