The remarkable power of community came to life in County Kildare recently as the TV show, ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland’ arrived in Donadea to help local mother Ramona Connolly and her five-year-old son, Oran, finish building their home following an unimaginable family tragedy. Just 45 years old, Ramona’s husband, Daragh was rushed to hospital suffering severe stomach pain and underwent emergency surgery. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he tragically passed away less than 48 hours later, leaving behind his devastated wife Ramona and their young son Oran. At the time of his death, Daragh had been working tirelessly to build what was intended to be the family’s forever home. The project had reached a significant milestone, with the roof and windows recently installed, but without access to a mortgage, life insurance or sufficient financial resources, the build could not continue.
Recognising the family’s situation, DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland stepped in, mobilising an extraordinary network of volunteers, tradespeople and local businesses determined to honour Daragh’s memory by completing the home he had worked so hard to create. Hundreds of volunteers, tradespeople, suppliers, family members and friends came together to complete the Connolly family home.
Among the many organisations that rallied behind the project was Barberstown Castle, whose support became an essential part of the week-long community effort. Barberstown Castle generously provided food and beverages for the hundreds of workers and volunteers who dedicated their time, skills and energy to the build. Throughout the intensive construction period, the castle’s team fed and watered 150 people over three days to keep the team fuelled and energised over the build week. On the first day the team provided complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner, on the second day the team served finger food and on the last day they served teas, coffees and pastries to the volunteers. The show is made by Indie Pics and will air on RTE Television in the Autumn.
“We were so happy to play just a small part in supporting the family,” said Barberstown Castle, CEO Amanda Torrens. “It was an incredibly uplifting experience and it’s wonderful to be part of something that has a positive outcome for a family in need. Well done to DIY SOS and the production team, it’s amazing what they achieved. We prepared and served hot meals for the large team on two days and did teas, coffees and pastries on the third day. We met with so many positive and compassionate people and it really reminds me how kind and supportive our community is here in Kildare. Our staff and volunteers really enjoyed the week.” For further information on Barberstown Castle visit www.barberstowncastle.ie
