Little Tadhg’s big legacy

THE parents and friends of a happy five-year-old who died tragically on a family holiday four years ago are being comforted by amazing local support that’s raised over

?¬100,000 in their son’s name.

Tadhg � Fainín tragically drowned in a swimming pool accident at a resort in Killarney, Co Kerry, on July 18, 2011, leaving his parents distraught and devastated.

There is no recovery from the loss of a child, especially one bursting with life and energy like Tadhg was.

However, Eoin and Kariann � Fainín found a way to cope and carry on by throwing themselves into fundraising for the Tadhg � Fainín Foundation, which they set up in honour of their beloved little boy.

And the foundation recently hit a remarkable milestone when it reached a total of

?¬100,000, all of which has been donated to worthy children’s charities.

“Tadhg was fun loving, very funny and full of love,

? Eoin told Northside People.

“He was full of life, dancing all the time and always laughing and joking.

?

Three months after Tadhg passed away, family and friends decided to hold a tribute fundraiser in Kavanaghs of Dorset Street for the little boy known to his classmates as Cosa Sasta (Happy Feet as Gaelige).

“We decided to give whatever was raised to charity because we’ve no interest in money for ourselves and that’s where it all started off,

? said Eoin.

“The turnout was phenomenal. There were people there who I hadn’t seen since primary school. It was just amazing for me to see them and to get that support from people who I hadn’t seen for ages, some for over 20 years.

?

That first fundraiser brought in over

?¬12,000, which was donated to a children’s cancer ward in Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin. Encouraged by the fundraiser’s success and the knowledge that the money was being used to help children, Eoin and Kariann, supported by family and friends, decided to set up a foundation in Tadhg’s name.

The event had also been a healing experience for the bereaved couple.

“I didn’t want to out and I had been avoiding people, walking around with my head down,

? Kariann said.

“The fundraiser got me out, and it was great because people were all together in Kavanagh’s so it was easier for me just to say hello to people.

?

Later that year, the Tadhg � Fainín Foundation sang carols at Christmas to raise more money, and Eoin and his pals posed for a cheeky topless calendar that was sold locally.

“We were the most misshapen bunch of lads you’ve ever seen,

? laughed Eoin.

“Most of us had to be Photoshopped!

?

Danceathons, charity runs and skydiving events followed, all held in the same spirit of fun that Tadhg was so full of.

“Laughter and humour are very important to us,

? said Eoin.

“It helps an awful lot to be able to enjoy things, as much as it pains us to do it sometimes.

?

Eoin and Kariann have been

‘blown away’ by the foundation’s success and were amazed when they realized they’d reaching the

?¬100,000 milestone.

“It’s very surprising, but people have surprised me every day with their willingness to help,

? said Eoin.

“It’s just lovely to see. It restores my faith in people and it helps us an awful lot.

“These people are real superheroes. They’re heroes who don’t wear capes, they ware hoodies and tracksuits and they’re the salt of the earth, wonderful, helpful people. You can never thank them enough.

?

Tadhg is very much alive in the Ã? Fainín home and is always referred to in the present tense. Kariann even had teddy bears made out of Tadhg’s clothes, which are carefully placed to represent him in family photos alongside his brothers, Féidhlim and Senán,

The foundation donates all money raised to non-Government funded children’s charities that rely on the kindness of others to survive, just like Eoin and Kariann have had to do.

Upcoming events include a

‘strictly’ dancing event on October 10 in the Regency Hotel to mark Tadhg’s birthday.

“It’s going to be called Strictly Cosa Sasta in memory of Tadhg because he loved that Happy Feet film,

? said Kariann.

“There’s also going to be GAA blitz for Mothers and Others in Erin’s Isle on September 12.

?

Information on the Tadhg � Fainín Foundation and details of upcoming events can be found online at www.tadhgofainin.com.