Ashbourne pensioners' home destroyed by fire

Family and friends of an Ashbourne family whose home was destroyed by fire on Monday night have rallied round to help the family.

Pensioners Conal and Evelyn Quinn were left homeless after a fire gutted their home near Coolquay on Monday evening.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the couple, who said neighbours, friends and family have been incredible with offers of help and support.

Conal has spoken of how frightening the incident was."It all happened so quickly.

"It happened at 10.10pm. We were both in the house and Evelyn had gone to bed. The house suddenly filled with toxic smoke and we just had to run out. Evelyn was just in her nightdress and had no shoes on.

"The smoke was terrible. I knew if we didn't get out immediately it would kill us. A passing motorist stopped to help us.

"The fire brigade and an ambulance arrived and they were both brilliant. The fire brigade were there until after midnight fighting the blaze. They did Trojan work. The ambulance crew were very professional and checked us out to see if there were any medical issues."

Conal and Evelyn have been married 40 years and lived in that house since 1987.

"A lot of history was burned in the fire, but we have out memories which we will treasure.

"We are in shock, emotional and running on empty.

"It is devastating but the main thing is we are alive, our guardian angel was looking after us. We have our children and grandchildren and they have been so good to us."

The fire appears to have started in a flat roofed extension. "It took hold so quickly and the smoke was horrific. It would have killed us in minutes.

Conal explains that the couple are currently sleeping in a shed at the back of the property, despite offers of accommodation from family and friends and have been showering in their daughters house.

"We want to remain close to the house, because so much needs to be done. People have been so good - family, friends, neighbours and local trades people have been so helpful. They have been offering us places to stay, but we want to stay at the house."

Sadly, the family did not have insurance cover and are now facing the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives, replacing essential items, and finding stability after this heartbreaking event.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the couple and local councillor, Joe Bonner has appealed for support.

"It will take thousands to restore the house from the damage caused.

"The Quinn family are well known in the Ashbourne community.

"This fundraiser has been set up to give our community an opportunity to come together and support them during this extremely difficult time."

He said the family will be the sole beneficiaries of the fundraiser and all donations will be paid directly to them.

"The money raised will go towards urgent and essential works, replacing necessary items, and supporting them as they begin the difficult process of recovering from this loss. Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference. Sharing this fundraiser with others would also be greatly appreciated," he said.

Donations can be made at https://gofund.me9d034a9