A Co Roscommon man has been able to return to his home, which was destroyed in a fire, thanks to his local community who came to his aid.
Tom Hill was 73 when a candle started a fire at his two-storey home on the lane beside Circular Road in Roscommon Town.
In a short time the blaze spread downstairs and only for the actions of a neighbour who raised the alarm the whole building would have been destroyed with the very real possibility that the attached home next door might also be destroyed.
The interior of Mr Hill's home was gutted and he had no insurance cover in place.
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His local community rallied to help out and together a house restoration committee was set up a fund to help repair the damage.
Local hardware, plumbing and electrical businesses were quick to come to the rescue in supporting the cause.
Dozens of local tradespeople also joined in and while at one stage it was expected that €50,000 would be needed to complete the restoration, in the endless than €20,000 was actually needed because so many people had volunteered their skills.
Charlie Hunt and Gerry Browne were just two of those involved in the effort and this week they paid warm tributes to each and every tradesperson who helped out from donating the new windows to the doors and the furniture.
Mr Hunt said: "The whole community rallied to make sure T Hill was back in his home for Christmas.
"We are so grateful for everyone who helped in any way."
Mr Hill said he "could not be more thankful to all my good friends and neighbours here in the lane".
He said: "They have done so much for me and my home is now better than it ever was - its brand new and better than ever."
The local community in Roscommon were determined that Mr Hill would be back in his home for Christmas and they achieved that too, ending a year to forget in the very best possible way with the finest of community spirit.
