In October, we witnessed an amazing sense of community spirit as one Portlaoise business went above and beyond for one family.
The latest episode of DIY SOS was a particularly emotional one and described by host Baz Ashmawy as its “hardest and most heartbreaking story yet”.
The programme focussed on a young family from Tipperary – Sinead Barry (34) whose husband Michael died from cancer last year leaving behind three young children, Nicole (14), Rowen (7) and Keeva (2). He had only been diagnosed four months earlier.
At the time he was in the middle of building the family’s new home, prompting Michael’s sister Trina to get in touch with the RTE show.
Over 100 volunteers duly got involved, providing their services for free and finishing the house in nine days.
And a Portlaoise business was one of those that came forward to offer their support.
First Choice Tiles and Bathrooms, which is based on Fr Browne Avenue just up from O’Moore Park and owned by the Walsh family, provided the tiles for the splashback feature in the kitchen as well as for the bathrooms.
“We were very honoured to be part of this special project,” said Paraic Walsh, “and we were delighted we could help out.”
“Tonight’s EP of #DIYSOSIrl was one of the hardest and most heartbreaking stories I’ve ever had to be part of as a presenter,” wrote Baz Ashmawy on his Instagram.
“If you were in anyway part of this thank you from the bottom of my heart, you’ve restored my faith at a time when it would be easy to lose it!
“So many people have to deal with the loss of someone who’s an adored and essential part of their family. It’s just so f*****g unfair.
“I learned a lot from Sinéad Barry. She is a wonderful Mum and such a strong person. I also learned a lot about her husband Michael from all the people on site.
“What a wonderful man he was and how much he was loved by his brothers and sister and all his family. By his beautiful children Nicole, Rowen and baby Keeva.
“He was loved by a community and also by complete strangers. My heart broke for the Barry family.
“The only respite or form of remedy was to see volunteers become accountable and take responsibility for a family who were left devastated and fix things for them fueled solely on kindness and love.
“To see them do this for another man and for his family has changed my mindset for ever. The world is filled with wonderful people. Really. I’ve seen it right in front of me.”
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