Cork islanders unite in grief for five-year-old girl

BERE ISLAND in West Cork was due to have a joyous celebration over the weekend with the first ever Presidential visit to the small community – but instead islanders were united in grief following the accidental death of a five-year-old girl.

Aisling Sullivan died at Cork University Hospital on Thursday night after being on a life support machine for several days following a freak accident at her home at The Strand on Bere Island.

It is understood Aisling suffered devastating head and crush injuries when she was pinned by a fireplace that accidentally fell from a wall last Monday.

Her father had been in the process of removing the fireplace when his only daughter ran in and pulled it down on top of herself.

Despite desperate efforts to save the youngest member of the Sullivan family, she lost her fight for life on Friday.

She is survived by her father, Jack, mother, Anne- Marie, and four brothers.

Her father had built the Bere Island Heritage Centre which was due to be officially opened by President Mary McAleese on Saturday. The visit was called off as a mark of respect to the family.

After many years of planning and preparation, the proposal to create a heritage centre became a reality in 2009, when members of the Old School Committee in partnership with the Bere Island Projects Group secured funding from the ISLA project, the Department of the Islands and Cork County Council.

Since the centre opened it has become an important reference, meeting and information point for both islanders and visitors to the island.

The centre has a craft shop and cafe with internet access, as well as an exhibition space, meeting room and conference facilities.

Jack Sullivan, for Bere Island Construction, had built the centre, and along with his wife, Anne-Marie, is well respected and loved on the island. Young Aisling was reposing at the family home over the weekend.

Her requiem mass will take place at noon tomorrow at St Michael’s Church, Bere Island, followed by private removal to the island’s crematorium.

Her grieving parents have asked that in lieu of flowers mourners donate to Barnardos Counselling Services.

Bere Island has a population of just over 200. The Bere Island Country and Western Festival, which had been due to take place over the weekend, was also cancelled due to the death of Aisling.