Kierans family thanks locals for 'extreme generosity'
Around €8,000 has been raised by Bailieborough neighbours in support of a grieving family who lost their mother in the most tragic circumstances.
Earlier this month the town was plunged into mourning at the death of Patricia Kierans, the mother-of-four who was killed on the Drumbannon estate in the town.
Three of Ms Kierrans’ four grown children live in Australia and were forced to returned home in the horrific circumstances, as was one son who lives in England also on his way to Australia.
Her body was laid to rest after a moving funeral ceremony in St Anne’s Church in the town on September 14. Hundreds paid their respect at the mass which was offered by Fr Oliver O’Reilly, who knew Patricia well.
After the funeral, Fr O’Reilly, acting as chair, local man Peter McConnell, as secretary, and others set up a committee for the Kierans Siblings’ Travel Fund, to cope with the cost of travel for family members and other expenses.
The town’s compassion for the family was evidenced in their generosity and now three of the four grown children, Julie, Oliver Jr, and Gerard, have returned to Australia, and to their own families, while Shane will remain in Ireland until the New Year, taking care of matters here.
Generosity
Fr O’Reilly praised locals’ “extreme generosity”.
“It went extremely well, we went way above any targets we might have set.
“It was totally voluntary, the credit union account was set up, people were dropping in whatever they had, we had a car boot sale and a walk and people have been extremely generous.
“All the family members are extremely grateful, thankful, to the people of Bailieborough and the surrounding area,” he said.
“They’re all young people and it’s a great gesture, it’s not substantial considering the situation, but it’s a meaningful gesture.”
The siblings of Mrs Kierans, nee Purdy, also put a note of thanks in the Bailieborough local notes:
“‘Thank You’ to the people of Bailieborough: The Purdy Family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support relating to the death of our dear sister, Patricia Kierans, and the community’s efforts in fundraising for Patricia’s children.”