Huge show of support for Kilkenny families devastated by fires

The generous people of Kilkenny, and further afield, have come to the aid of two local families who suffered devastating fires at the end of 2024.

More than €118,000 has been donated, from over 1,000 people, to support two separate appeals following fires at a home and a business, in South Kilkenny.

Just ten days before Christmas a family in The Rower lost their home in a blaze at the property.

Maisie Roche noticed smoke coming from upstairs, at lunchtime on December 15. With the help of neighbours she got safely out of the house with the family dogs.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny shop raise eyewatering amount of money for local homeless services

However, they were unable to retrieve any belongings - in minutes the house was ablaze.

Both Maisie and her daughter Mary, who lives with her, were left in complete shock - but the local community immediately rallied to support them. A Go Fund Me appeal has raised over €42,000 to help Maisie and Mary rebuild their home.

You can still support this appeal on Go Fund Me by clicking HERE.

Neighbours and friends of another South Kilkenny family have also been generous in their support following a fire that wiped out the family’s business.

On Friday, October 4, a fire took hold at the premises on the Prendergast farm, destroying two businesses - that of Dermot Prendergast, a contractor who has built up and provided an incredible service to local and neighbouring farm businesses for over 30 years, and the business of his son, John, who recently set up his own mechanic business adjacent to his father’s on their family farm.

The fire caused the loss and damage of machinery, tools and sheds.

A mark of the esteem in which the family are held, and the kindness of the local community, saw more than €75,000 donated to a Go Fund Me appeal for the Prendergasts.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE