Clodagh Hawe’s mother and sister set up fundraiser for domestic abuse charity

Megan Roantree

They are hoping to raise at least €50,000.

Clodagh Hawe and her children Liam, 14, Niall 11, and six-year-old Ryan, died in August by murder-suicide in their home in Cavan.

Now, Clodagh’s family has have started a fundraising campaign in aid of women and children affected by domestic violence.

The funds raised by Clodagh’s mum, Mary Coll and sister Jacqueline Connolly will go towards Women’s Aid, the national organisation providing support and information to women experiencing domestic violence.

“Clodagh was strong and beautiful inside and out, and was so loving. She was warm, loving, bright and capable and she was bringing her boys Liam, Niall and Ryan, up to have those same qualities. They will live on and her strength will live on. After their deaths, we want to help women who are living in fear and isolation in their own homes. So please support our fundraising appeal for Women’s Aid.” Jacqueline said.

Director of Women’s Aid Margaret Martin said that the organisation is touched that Clodagh’s family set up this appeal.

”Our work makes a life-changing difference and this donation page will help us be there to listen, to believe and to support women. Every single time. One in five women in Ireland experience domestic abuse. They need us to listen to them, and to support them and their children.

Since our 24 Hour National Freephone Helpline extended to become a 24/7 service last January, we now answer an average of 41 calls a day. By the end of the year we’ll have answered over 5,000 additional calls during the new night-time service, with many more contacts through our website. But our resources are already extended to breaking point, and we need all the resources we can to keep the 24 Hour National Freephone Helpline open. It takes a lot of strength to call us. We have to be here for every woman who needs us, at any hour of the day or night.” Margaret said.

She added:

“Our thoughts and support go to Mary and Jacqueline as they speak out on behalf of Clodagh and her boys to raise awareness of the controlling and abusive nature of many homes around Ireland today.

Their bravery and strength should be applauded and we are only too aware that only a short time has passed since they had Clodagh, Liam, Niall and Ryan cruelly taken from them.”

You can donate on the everydayhero fundraising page here.

Anyone living any form of physical violence including emotional abuse and control, physical violence, sexual and financial abuse, is encouraged to contact the 24hr National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 or to visit www.WomensAid.ie.