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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Trevor Quinn

Brave dad Andrew McGinley shares message of solidarity to grieving families

Heartbroken dad Andrew McGinley - whose three children were murdered - sympathised with all those who had lost loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Conor, nine, Darragh, seven, and three year-od Carla were found dead at the family home in Newcastle, Co Dublin, on January 24.

Their mother Deirdre Morley has been charged with their murder.

Last month the grieving dad launched a social media channel called “Conor’s Clips” in tribute to the memory of the nine-year-old.

Andrew McGinley (centre back towards camera) is hugged during the funeral service for his three children, Conor, nine, Darragh, seven and Carla, three. (Niall Carson/PA Wire)

Mr McGinley posted on Twitter: "When Conor, Darragh and Carla died in January I was carried through by the support of family, community and colleagues.

"Having people around to support helped me cope.

"The amount of people attending the funeral gave me strength to get through the eulogy, funeral and burial.

"I cannot begin to imagine how I would have managed in this time of Covid-19.

"I'm heartbroken by the daily reports of funerals where hundreds would have been there to support the bereaved and to pay their respects."

Mr McGinley said he believes when this period of self-isolation is over "we must take the time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed in the manner that we would that we would have done in normal times".

The Donegal native delivered an emotional eulogy at their burial on January 31 in which he said he has “promises that I have to keep and this will drive me on."

He pledged to help Conor set up a YouTube channel, to coach at Rathcoole Boys FC for Darragh, and to build a snowman for Carla.

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