Public invited to make donations for materials
The restoration of a well-known local man’s house, which was severely damaged by fire last month in Roscommon town, is nearing completion, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers.
Tom, or T. Hill as he’s widely known in Roscommon town, was lucky to escape uninjured when a fire broke out at the house on Henry Street on Sunday, October 25th.
The interior of the house, which was uninsured, was gutted in the blaze and Tom has been staying with neighbours and friends ever since.
The local community rallied in the immediate aftermath of the fire and set up a fundraising committee in order to restore Tom’s house in time for Christmas. The restoration is now nearing completion thanks to the huge efforts of local tradespeople who have volunteered for the work.
Local hardware, plumbing and electrical businesses have also been praised for their generosity in supplying materials on credit in order for the work to be finished on time.
The restoration work involved the stripping of walls, rewiring, new plumbing, as well as new doors and windows and a new bathroom. The house has also been insulated and smoke alarms have been fitted throughout.
Once the freshly skimmed walls dry out, the house will then be repainted while tiling and other jobs will provide the finishing touches.
Phenomenal progress has seen the work so far completed in just three weeks with local building contractor, Gerry Dervin, coordinating the efforts of volunteers.
The results so far are very impressive indeed and show what can be done through goodwill and close cooperation in a common purpose.
The restoration committee has organised a GoFundMe campaign (The Tom Hill House Restoration Fund), to raise the necessary finances to pay for the required materials and fittings. At the time of going to print, the details of the bank account being set up for the purpose have not yet come through. As soon as those details are available they will be published and the GoFundMe account will go live then also.
People willing to help out financially are asked to contribute via the GoFundMe site or directly to the bank account once details are made available. Members of the committee will also accept donations. All donations will be recorded and receipted.
Those involved in the restoration include: Treasurer James Hoare (087-2872055), Chairman Charlie Hunt (086-8330663), Secretary Gerry Browne (087-2808225), Stephanie Donlon (086-1690384), Frank Beatty, (086-8064475), and project coordinator, Gerry Dervin (086-2546467
