Easter flood and fire destroys home of Ballycumber’s Buckley family

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The Buckley family from Ballycumber have received the support of their community, as an Easter weekend flood and fire destroyed their home.

Fiona Buckley and her 11-year-old daughter Teana were left devastated as a fire on Saturday, April 4, damaged everything they owned beyond repair.

“If the fire had happened at night, we might not be here," Fiona said, noting the severity of the situation. "My 11-year-old and I had to sleep in the jeep the first night.”

In photos, water can be seen seeping from electrical sockets and switches, as well as from the ceilings in the house.

“There was a fire in the hot press. It melted the main water pipe and caused the flooding," said Fiona.

"Water was coming through every ceiling, the kitchen, sitting room, hall, and even running out of the fuse board and smoke alarms. You can see where the water travelled through the electrical wiring in the walls.”

Items including furniture, electricals, flooring, personal items, clothing, beds and bedding, and Teanna's toys were all lost.

"What was their home and safe place is gone, they have just, and are still going through hell," Fiona's older daughter Shauna Buckley wrote. "They have no idea when they will be home again."

Shauna continued that as a single mum "this is just too big" for Fiona to handle alone.

"As a single parent working part-time, I can’t afford to put everything back together. We’ve lost so much, and we’re just trying to get back on our feet," Fiona said.

The Offaly Independent contacted Offaly County Council on the incident and on the support provided to Fiona, a council tenant.

The council said it “does not comment on individual cases or provide information relating to individual tenants or households.”

To support the Buckley family, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/teanna-and-fiona