A Cork family have been left reeling after their beloved dad and husband died just days after a fire ripped through their family home.
There has been huge support for the Walsh family in Killeagh in the wake of the loss of much-loved dad Brendan on May 1, just days after their house was destroyed by a fire on April 22, CorkBeo reports.
Brendan Walsh, who had previously been a carpenter and also worked on the frontline as a carer through the pandemic, passed away leaving his wife Olivia and kids Padraig, Sean, Chloe, Andrea, and Barry behind.
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Now an effort is being made to help the family who've been left homeless since the fire.
The much-loved clan weren't there at the time it broke out, and were left to watch as hero firefighters did their best to extinguish the flames.
The blaze had started in the garage area before spreading to the home, and now the community have started a fundraiser to get them back on their feet.
Amazingly, over €50,000 was raised in three hours by the local GAA club after posting a GoFundMe. The total is now approaching €200,000.
Shortly before the incident the family had hit hard times financially, and let their insurance policy run out shortly before the fire hit.
Killeagh GAA have stepped in to try and help them, and there's been a huge response to the drive.
The club also paid a poignant tribute to Brendan, who they described as an "outstanding hurler" having played for them, Imolkilly, and with Cork at all levels.
Brendan was also a talented singer and actor who did gigs all around the county.
Killeagh GAA said: "This family is much loved in Killeagh and surrounding parishes. They are open, kind, good natured and genuine ‘salt of the earth’ people.
"Their world has come crashing down around them in the cruellest way imaginable. They are living through a nightmare. Their trauma is made worse by the fact that they have no home in which to grieve for Brendan or to start to piece their lives back together again.
"The hope now is that we can all work together and, piece by piece, raise enough money to give this family back their home. The target figure is €350,000.
"Please give as generously as you can."
You can find the GoFundMe by clicking at this link.
Brendan had won a Junior county title with Killeagh in 1995, and an Intermediate in 2001.
He was part of a panel that brought them into Senior competitions for the first time in their history.
He also played for the Cork U21s and was selected for the Senior Panel too. He was part of the team during the 1992 All-Ireland semi-final with Kilkenny even though he was just 19 at the time.
His children all play GAA too, with Chloe and Andrea on teams in both codes while Padraig, Sean, and Barry are all with Killeagh.
Barry, 16, is a star for the Cork minors and even took to the field recently against Tipperary in Thurles just weeks after Brendan's death.
There are many different types of supports available to those suffering with their mental health.
If you have been affected by this story and want to speak to someone you can find a full list of different groups on the HSE's website here.
Samaritans' are also available on 116 123
Pieta House's 24 Hour Crisis Helpline number is 1800 247 247 or you can text HELP to 51444
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