Raise the roof for Nóirin

Raise the roof for Nóirin,

Hi my name is Helena and my ask is to raise funds to help reroof and rebuild a family home after a tragic fire, resulting in the loss and untimely death of Nóirin Ui Chleirigh. The ask is one I never thought I would have to or want to do.

On the night of the 8th of March a horrific house fire claimed the life of a cherished and beautiful soul, Nóirin Ui Chleirigh, along with her adored companion, her kitten Hermes. Nóirin’s home was in kilraen, Glenties County Donegal, a simple but treasured cottage, a refuge and safe haven for Nóirín and her beloved daughter, where they enjoyed the peace and quiet of the simple life.

The fire and tragic loss of Nóirin’s life has sent shock and devastation through the community in Glenties and her hometown of Belfast. It has left her family grief-stricken and in disbelief. In these weeks after the fire they are still trying to come to terms with the reality of the devastation and enormous loss of the life of a treasured mother, grandmother, sister and aunty.

Nóirín’s cottage lies destroyed and in ruin after the fire, with only the four walls remaining. Unfortunately insurance will not cover the cost to rebuild the cottage, and no money could ever replace the loss of Nóirin. My ask is that we can raise funds so the cottage can be restored to keep Nóirin’s memory alive and give a place of comfort and refuge to her family and the various artists, musicians and friends who were always welcomed throughout the years. Even though it will never be the same, my hope is it will be a place to remember in , the inspirational woman lost to all who loved her. Every donation will be a building block in the right direction and appreciated more than you would ever know

Nóirin Ui Chleirigh, a retired teacher, spent much of her life in Belfast working as an art teacher, devoted to her students. Nóirin was an advocate for the Irish language and women’s rights, uncanny that she left this world on International Women’s Day.

In recent years, Nóirin had been living a simple and peaceful life in her cottage in the hills of Donegal, enjoying her garden. Nóirín’s death has been felt far and wide, to quote one friend of Nóirin’s “ We have lost a very strong woman, who gave immense strength to many people in time of hardship including myself”. I could write books on Nóirin and her amazing spirit and kindness.