I miss the kids so much my heart aches
Dad tells of daily struggle following killing of his three young children
HEARTBROKEN Andrew Mcginley has posted a tribute to his three children a month after their deaths, admitting: “Life is minute by minute now.”
The devastated dad thanked people for their support and kind messages since his world fell apart four weeks ago.
Andrew returned from work on Friday, January 24, to discover Conor, nine, Darragh, seven, and three-year-old Carla dead inside their home.
The children’s mother Deirdre Morley has been charged with their murders.
Showing the same courage he displayed at their funerals, he posted an update on a fundraising page which has to date raised €40,000 for the family.
Andrew said: “I’m sorry I cannot tell you all what to say to me as I really don’t know. Hugs and handshakes are good, but stories about my kids, your kids, any kids are always welcome.
“Life is minute by minute now, one foot in front of the other and just keep breathing.
“I miss the kids so much that my heart not only aches, it’s in constant pain and is only soothed somewhat by the love that floods over me when I recall any one of the joyful memories of Conor, Darragh and Carla which cross my mind constantly.”
Andrew, who returned to the house in Newcastle, Co Dublin, he shared with his wife and three children days after the tragedy, said he would be lost without the support of the tight-knit local community.
He added: “We’re all still lost, we’re all still grieving and we’re all still heartbroken. So don’t avoid us, don’t feel embarrassed and don’t feel you need to say anything.
“A reassuring hand on our shoulders is fine, a story about Conor, Darragh and Carla would be fantastic – turning back time would cure all our ills.”
Andrew revealed clips of his eldest son
Conor, a keen footballer and music fan, would be uploaded to Youtube shortly as the grieving dad plans to coach the team he loved – Rathcoole Boys FC.
Of his beloved Carla, who counted Frozen’s Elsa and Anna among her fairytale heroes, he said: “Please, please let it snow, let it snow, let it snow for Carla’s snowman.”
The community in Rathcoole and Newcastle is now planning a playground in memory of the Mcginley children and another local child, Clodagh Magliozzi, who died in 2013.
Clodagh is fondly remembered by staff at Happy Feet Learning Centre, where Carla was also enrolled. The playground will be called Carla’s Kingdom.
The organisers of a coffee morning said they were inspired “through the heartfelt words of Andrew Mcginley and the inspiration of Carla, Conor and Darragh Mcginley, as well as Clodagh Magliozzi”.
They added: “Happy Feet Early Learning Centre, in conjunction with the surrounding communities, are creating a playground to pay tribute and remember the lives of our four fallen angels.”