Elderly farmer and former lay preacher dies in Co Armagh house fire

Tributes have been paid to a farmer and former lay preacher who died after a fire gutted his Co Armagh farmhouse.
William Irwin, DUP MLA at the scene of a fatal fire near Richhill, Co Armagh.William Irwin, DUP MLA at the scene of a fatal fire near Richhill, Co Armagh.
William Irwin, DUP MLA at the scene of a fatal fire near Richhill, Co Armagh.

The body of highly respected farmer Joshua Hewitt was found after a huge blaze destroyed his home near Richhill.

It is understood Mr Hewitt, who had been a lay preacher as well as a farmer, died in the blaze.

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A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson said: “The thoughts and sympathies of the NIFRS are with the family and friends of a man who died following a fire in a house on the Aghory Road, Richhill, Armagh.

“On Wednesday November 18, 2020 at 5.04am, Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a detached house on Aghory Road in Richhill.”

The NIFRS spokesperson said firefighters from Pomerory and Lisburn also attended the scene.

“Fire Appliances from Armagh, Portadown and Pomeroy Fire Stations as well as a Command Support Unit from Lisburn Fire Station, and the Specialist Rescue Team were in attendance throughout the course of the incident.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation,” they said.

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It is understood the fire decimated the farmhouse – the roof had fallen in.

It was quite some time before the emergency services were able to enter the house and locate Mr Hewitt’s remains.

Mr Hewitt was well known in local agriculture circles and would also have preached the Gospel in a lay capacity previously when in better health.

He lived at his farm house for many years which was an old traditional farm dwelling.

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Newry & Armagh assemblyman William Irwin spoke of his concern and sadness following the death of the pensioner.

The DUP MLA said Mr Hewitt was a farmer for many years and he was saddened by the tragedy.

Mr Irwin said, “This is terrible news and I express my sympathy to the wider Hewitt family at this time.

“It is unclear at this time how the blaze started and I understand that police are actively investigating this incident to establish the facts.

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“The blaze unfortunately was substantial and destroyed the house completely despite the best efforts of the fire service.”

He continued, “Mr Hewitt was a gentleman and well respected in the area for decades and it is very tragic that he has passed away in such terrible circumstances.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the wider Hewitt family circle at this difficult time.”

Ulster Unionist Cllr Jim Speers said he had Mr Hewitt lived on his own and was a highly respected member of the community.

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“He was a decent, quiet inoffensive gentleman,” said Cllr Speers who knew him for 40 years.

He said Mr Hewitt, who still farmed his land though in his 80s, was a “very upright, quiet man who came from a good family”.

“It is just so sad,” said the Ulster Unionist councillor.

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