A woman who had the last of her money stolen when her car was broken into, and is now homeless, is hoping to return to West Cork.
A WOMAN who had the last of her money stolen when her car was broken into, and is now homeless, is hoping to return to West Cork.
Deirdre Mcgrath, a mother of four, who previously lived in Ballydehob and Skibbereen for seven years, is appealing to anyone with accommodation to contact her, and she says she can pay around €650 per month.
Deirdre told The Southern Star: ‘My second son was born in Leap and I have many strong connections to West Cork and would welcome a move back.
‘We left Cork when my mother was terminally ill, so I could be with her and take care of her on a personal basis in the last months of her life. It was something I felt honoured and privileged to do.
‘I’d even be happy to take on a derelict building and do it up,’ Deirdre told The Southern Star. ‘I just want a home for me and my four children, and some room for the horses I have rescued.
‘A home is a place to be,’ said Deirdre, ‘it is a basic human right. I’m also working on a business plan for a project aimed at community-supported agriculture, agro forestry, horse trekking and equine assisted therapy. I just need a kick-start and a place to be – that is my appeal.’
Deirdre – who has been effectively homeless for the past year – had been staying with friends. She explained how her car window was smashed in Limerick recently and her bag, which was hidden under the seat, was stolen.
‘I had been pretty much living out of my car because I am homeless, so my passport, cards, money, kindle, diary, iPod, journal and medical cards are all gone.
‘As it turns out, I am not even covered for my stolen belongings because they were not in the boot of the car, even though I pay €450 a year on insurance.’
‘I realise that there is a homeless crisis in Ireland. There are over 7,500 Irish citizens registered as homeless and that number is increasing every day.
‘As you can imagine, this affects my well-being and that of my children, as well as my ability to function fully as a contributing member of the community.
‘I am dealing with feelings of displacement and trauma. All we want is a safe place, where we can live peaceably.’
Deirdre can be contacted by phoning: 086 2612232 or by emailing: [email protected].
