Distraught Kilkenny family in home plea after blaze

A Kilkenny family is making a heartfelt appeal for accommodation after their home burned to the ground — with one of the couple now facing a long recovery from very serious surgery.

The Kilmacow home of Maria and Patrick Walsh was destroyed in a blaze last month, and in recent days Patrick underwent a serious 14-hour surgery for a grave health condition.

“His family are distraught as the only place they have for him is a couch at his daughter’s,” a family friend told the Kilkenny People.

Even though the family have been overwhelmed by the generosity of neighbours and friends towards a Go Fund Me appeal, they are concerned for where Patrick will recover. He has been told he could be on the housing list for seven to eight years.

Not only is there a long road to recovery ahead for Patrick but Maria, is also in poor health, having suffered a brain injury a few years ago. Patrick had been her full-time carer.

The couple’s family say they will be forever grateful that Pat and Maria survived the blaze that destroyed their home in Dunkitt, ‘but they have been left in the position of absolutely everything they owned and cherished being burnt to a crisp’.

A fundraiser for the couple initially hoped to get them a mobile home as a temporary home, but following Patrick’s major surgery more suitable housing is now a necessity for them.

The Go Fund Me appeal is still up and running, with the hope of replacing clothing and other items lost. “Your kindness and generosity have provided much-needed support during this incredibly difficult time,” the family say, and it “means the world” to all of them.
The fundraiser can be found at: https://shorturl.at/jj0BO