‘We want Paul’s kids to have the life he dreamed for them’ FAMILY GRATEFUL FOR FINANCIAL HELP
They said: “It is hard to believe that we have lost Paul, and under such traumatic circumstances.
“He was so looking forward to the future and had so many plans for his family.
“If you are a parent, or have children in your life, then you know exactly what we mean when we say Paul wanted the best for his kids.
“He valued their education, playing sports and being involved in different activities, but also spending time together as a family. “Which is exactly what they were doing that evening when he lost his life saving them.
“Paul and Simonne found a lovely house to rent in Australia, with good schools nearby and a short commute to work so they could prioritise family time. “Your care and kindness is safeguarding the future Paul wanted for his family.”
The statement added: “Your support is helping with a funeral service in
Australia and at home in Ireland.
“It will ensure Paul’s family can afford flights home to do this and be surrounded by friends and family who knew and loved Paul.
“Paul and Simonne’s families are doing their best to support Simonne and the kids, but it all adds up quickly.
“We just want to give the kids routine and stability over the next few months and for their mum not to be forced into making difficult decisions.
Donations
“We want those kids to have the life that Paul dreamed for them and worked hard for.
“Thank you for your donations, for sharing, and for making this possible.”
Over €36,000 has been raised on the GoFundMe page to help the family return Paul to home in Ireland.
Family friend Brendan McDonnell, who set up the page, said: “Tragically on January 18, we lost Paul when he drowned at Lennox Head in Australia, while together with his wife, bravely saving their children.
“He leaves behind his beloved wife Simonne and adored children Vann, Lyra and Shay, parents Pat and Helen, siblings Aoife, Emma, Gavin and Sarah.”
Brendan added: “Paul was 100 per cent passionate about everything in his life, particularly his family and was devoted to his children.
“Like any parent, he wanted the best for their futures. In this regard, the family moved to Australia only last July.
“Please help us honour Paul by raising funds for Simonne and his children who are coping with the tragedy on the opposite side of the world at this incredibly difficult time.”
Paul, from Tipperkevin in Ballymore Eustace, and Simonne, who is the daughter of Kildare businessman Jim Sheridan, well-known for the Johnstown Inn, both worked for Pat Doran Construction until they moved to Australia last July.
Both Paul and Simonne rushed into the waves and swam out to rescue Lyra, who was on a bodyboard, but Paul got into difficulty and drowned.
It took off-duty lifeguards 30 minutes to find his body and, despite paramedics’ CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lifeguard Scott McCartney said: “It’s heart-breaking for everyone.”
Simonne has since posted happy family photos online of herself with Paul and their three children and shared memories of their time together.