Canon James Ambrose was tied up, tortured and beaten by a gang when they raided his house in Dromcollogher 18 years ago.

The house was burnt to the ground early yesterday after another break-in.

Canon Ambrose was visibly shaken when he went to the scene. Since the previous raid on the house, which is located near St Bartholomew’s Church, he has resided with a relative, using the parochial house as a base during the day.

Fianna Fáil TD John Cregan, who lives in Dromcollogher, said: “I met the canon when I went up to the scene on learning of the fire. He was visibly distressed and it must have brought it all back what happened those years ago in another break-in when he was held captive and tortured. He never slept in the house after what happened that night. He used the parochial house as a base and all the parish records were kept there. This latest attack must have brought all those memories of what happened before back.”

Mr Cregan said there appeared to have been a break-in prior to yesterday’s fire.

He added: “This is a terrible ordeal for Canon Ambrose. The parish will rally around him and make sure what ever accommodation he needs to carry out his ministry will be made available to him.”

Two units of Newcastle West fire brigade fought the blaze for more than eight hours.

The alarm was raised at about 5am and firefighters under station officer Tommy Quaid were still hosing down the burnt-out building at 2pm.

Garda forensic experts carrying out a detailed examination of the two-storey house, which is located near the parish church.

The chief fire officer for Co Limerick, Carmel Kirby, said: “Two units from Newcastle West brought the blaze under control. But the fire was still burning up to early afternoon as there were some places they could not get into as the building was structurally unsafe.”

The investigation into the fire is being headed by Supt Jim O’Connor, Newcastle West, and Sgt Alberta McWalter, Dromcollogher.