A woman who was left devastated after her father tragically passed away from coronavirus was given a boost this week as neighbours rallied around her to celebrate her birthday.
Kylie Reilly from Co Carlow celebrated her 23rd birthday on Thursday just weeks after her dad Paddy sadly died after contracting Covid-19.
But despite being in lockdown Kylie was still able to mark the occasion as her family organised a special surprise for her big day.
Local gardai and fire service members led a convoy as it drove by Kylie's home to wish her a happy birthday.
Kylie's sister Kelly said the lovely gesture came at a good time as Kylie has been 'heartbroken' since the loss of their dad.
Kelly said: "Kylie has been lost and heartbroken over Daddy's passing so we arranged with the guards and fire services to come up and do a drive by for Kylie to wish her a happy birthday."
Paddy, a dad to four daughters, had type two diabetes. He became unwell with coronavirus at the end of March and spent two weeks in hospital battling the disease.
Sadly he passed away at St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny after battling the disease for a week at the age of 57.
Kelly added: "The guards came up and brought her cakes and sweets and told her they were going to bring her for a tour around the station when all of this is over.
"She's 23 today, the people of Carlow have been absolutely amazing to our family.
"People travelled to wish Kylie a happy birthday, this really made her day.
"She was daddy's special little angel as that's what he used to call her, his little lucky pixie as she is a special little girl."
"She is absolutely delighted she got loads of cards and gifts and her favorite chipper Mario's in Carlow gave her a free pizza and chips meal for tonight."
Kelly previously spoke to the Irish Mirror of her father's tragic passing.
She said: “I had to go in and say goodbye to Daddy dressed up with protective clothing and I held his hand wearing double gloves.
“It is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life.
“I’ll always keep him in my heart and told him I’m so glad he met my son, his only grandchild, Theo, who he adored.
