Fundraiser launched for families displaced by fatal Cork house fire

Community appeal launched to support families displaced by fatal Cork fire, with urgent need for accommodation and financial assistance

The house (centre) which also effected the adjoining homes in which a woman lost her life in a fire at Palmbury Orchard, Togher Cork . Picture; Eddie O'Hare

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help residents whose homes were damaged following a major house fire in a Cork City housing estate.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, resulted in the death of Eileen O’Leary, 67, of Palmbury Orchard, Togher.

Some 19 firefighters attended the scene, where the fire spread to adjoining houses. The fire left five families without homes after spreading through attic spaces.

Some homeowners, who had lived in the Palmbury Orchard estate for between 30 and 45 years, have since secured rented accommodation while their homes are being rebuilt.

The residents have been described as people who have “given to the community all their lives” and work in roles such as local school caretakers, Tidy Towns volunteers, soccer coaches, residents’ committees, parents’ associations, and carers.

However, according to a Facebook post from Togher Tidy Towns, the group is “desperately seeking accommodation for a family of six to be able to rent to stay together for three months and a family of three for 12 months".

A week-long campaign has been launched, with community members encouraged to bring cash, cheques, or shopping vouchers to the lifelong learning festival in Togher on Wednesday next week.

A community match has also been organised to raise funds to support the families.

Togher Tidy Towns has also urged the public to “pay it forward” and “help these wonderful Cork families” by organising fundraising events, including coffee mornings and no-uniform days.

A credit union account has also been set up by the community, with a GoFundMe/IDonate link due to be shared in the coming days.