Fundraiser set up for family who “lost everything” in fire

'We're living out of bags' says mum.

An online fundraiser set up to help a family who “lost everything” following a fire at their council house last weekend has already raised over 80 per cent of its target goal.

Marie O'Rourke believes she and her family are “lucky to be alive” after a blaze started outside the front door of her now former home at Breffni Terrace, Cavan Town, in the early hours of Friday morning, January 17.

The mum of six- three children under 16 years- awoke to “a loud bang like a fire rocket” followed by another minutes later.

If it wasn't for her 16 year old “hero” son Tyler who helped guide his younger siblings Maisey (11) and MJ (13) down the smoke-filled staircase to safety, Marie believes the outcome “really doesn't bare thinking about”.

At great risk to themselves, members of the Cavan Fire Service, once the fire was brought under control, managed to salvage some items belonging to the kids.

“We're living out of bags at the minute, that's all we've got.”

Maire is so thankful for the support she and her family has received to date.

“Good friend” and near neighbour to Marie, Sara Monahan, set up a gofundme page with a goal of €1,800 to get the O'Rourke family back on their feet.

Gardaí confirmed that “enquiries are ongoing” following the report of a fire at a residential property on Dublin Road, Cavan Town at around 2.30am on January 17 last.

To donate to the gofundme page set up in support of Marie and her family, visit 'Please help maire and her family'.

See next week's Celt for full story.