Edenderry's 'amazing fighter' Daire loses brave battle for life

Edenderry is in mourning this weekend after the passing of one the town’s most amazing little fighters, one-year old Daire McDonnell, who passed away after battling a rare form of bowel disease.

Daire lost his brave battle for life in Crumlin Children’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family, parents Derval and Vincent and big brothers, Rian and Corey.

The little Edenderry fighter, who endeared himself to the local community over the past year, was transferred to Crumlin on Friday last from the UK where he has been receiving specialist treatment since last October for multiple atresia of the bowel, which he has had since birth.

Daire’s parents mounted a huge fundraising campaign to ensure he could be flown to England for specialist treatment and set up a Facebook page called “Our Amazing Fighter Daire” which featured heartwarming videos and regular updates on his treatment.

A number of fundraisers took place over the past year in the local community which took Daire and his family to their hearts after he was born with multiple atresia of the bowel.

The McDonnell family received the heartbreaking news last week that little Daire was too ill to undergo a further medical procedure which was need to prolong his life so they took the decision to have him transferred from the UK to Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin so that his two older brothers could be with him as he passed away.

Among the many tributes which have been pouring in for the McDonnell family since the sad news broke of Daire’s passing over the weekend was one from the Edenderry Community Facebook page which read: Thinking of Derval, Vincent, Rian and Corey at this time. Heartbroken for you all. Fly with the angels Daire. You fought so hard, a true little Trooper to the end. God rest him.” The post has been shared 191 times and has already attracted over 130 comments from neighbours, friends and supporters in the local community.