A local community in Co Galway is said to be “under a cloud of grief” after a young girl passed away in a UK hospital.
Eimear Ní Chonghaile had been unwell and undergoing treatment at a hospital in England for the past month.
A fundraiser has been organised by Spiddal GAA club to help the 11-year-old’s “heartbroken” family with funeral and repatriation costs.
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The club said in a post written in Irish on Facebook: “We in the club are under a cloud of grief this week following the death of Eimear Ní Chonghaile, a beautiful young girl who was only eleven years old.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her parents, Martin and Brenda, her brothers Liam, Eoin, David and Luke and all her family and friends. Her family will miss her dearly, as will everyone who knew her.
“We have created GoFundMe to raise money to offset any expenses that the family incurred while Eimear was ill in hospital for the past month. Eimear was in hospital in England when she died and she and her family are to be brought home.
“Donations, large or small, will be very welcome. All monies raised will be donated to the household to cover these high costs; Any surplus money will be donated to a charity of the family’s choice. We think this will take some of the burden off of them so they can focus on mourning Eimear. We thank you for any help you can give.:
The GoFundMe appeal has raised almost €38,000 in just one day.
Organisers Spiddal GAA club said of the fundraiser: “As many of you have heard, Brenda & Máirtín Ó Conghaile have tragically lost their youngest child, Eimear, at only 11 years young. Liam, Eoin, David & Luke have lost their only sister.
“She will be sorely missed by her family and everyone who knew her. The love and joy that Eimear brought to them and everyone that knew her will never be forgotten.
“Eimear was a true character with a big personality. Her entire family and friends are devastated and truly heartbroken and no amount of words can express how our hearts are breaking for them.
“We hope they are able to find their strength during a dark time like this.
“The unexpected death of a child is an unimaginable loss that no one could prepare for. No one should have to think and worry about expenses at a time like this.
“Some of you have reached out to C.L.G. An Spidéal and asked how you can help. We have set up this GoFundMe to gather funds to help offset the expenses that the family incurred while Eimear was ill in hospital for the past month, bringing her back home to Spiddal from England now and the funeral expenses they must now face.
“All donations are hugely welcome, however big or small. All of the money collected will go directly to the family to use for these huge costs and any left over will be donated to a charity of their choice.
“We feel it would be a burden lifted from their shoulders and it will allow them to focus on grieving for their loss. Thank you for any help you can give.”
You can donate to the fundraiser on GoFundMe here.
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