I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave and helped so much to support the families affected by this terrible tragedy. I am sure you all know about the tragic fire in Carrickmines which claimed the lives of 10 adults and children and leaving two little boys orphaned.

As I have mentioned we grew up with the lynch family and are very close. As we all listened to media we thought these families were receiving help from every angle. However this was not the case and I felt I had to step in and give my support. There had been donations etc but red tape had to be sorted out and has delayed a lot of this direct help.

I have called on you as you know for help in the last few weeks. It is extremely sad the situation these families have found themselves in during time of grief.

I would like to thank you all for your donations and your clear out on clothes,shoes,rugs,sheets etc etc. This has helped tremendously and the families are very very grateful. You will be happy to hear that every stitch that was given has been used. With the donations I have supplied new shirts and clothes for the funeral,dinners and shopping to different members of the families a few times a week.  I cannot thank you all enough and on the other flip side the family cannot thank me enough times. With your help I managed this all. You have all made a difference.

There is still along way to go and a lot of family members grieving. There is very little we can do about the grief that this family must go through but we can make their day to day living a little easier. Just having a few clothes to step into. A few sheets on the beds. Pillows to lie on and life a bit more comfortable until the state realise that these families do need proper help.

So finally if you are clearing out again at any time keep me in mind. Drop me anything you think maybe of use. I have gone through bags, split everything up between families and delivered everything personally. If you come across any small reduced gifts and you are able to afford it keep the two little boys in mind this Xmas as it will be hard without their mum and dad.

I will continue to work on behalf of these families to help them through their first few months. These families could really do with a good break. Nearly impossible really the way society looks at travelling communities. However if anyone knows anyone giving away, or able to donate under no pressure to their business,cinema tickets,haircuts,ladies pampering days,or even a stay in a hotel over night. This is a very very very nice family. I can take full responsibly and ensure things are carried out.

Please do not feel in anyway pressured to send anything. I realise times are difficult and it is hard for everyone to keep going. Some parents like me to mention these things out loud as they are disappointed when they have cleared out and they hear too late that they could have helped.

Anyone outside the dance school may text or call me at anytime if you think you can be of any help. Anything at anytime can be dropped into our dance studio in Bray.

On this note, I do realise times are hard.  If there is anyone out there reading this that needs help this Christmas please let me know.

Pauline 086/8170292

Thank you all again.

Pauline Fegan.