ON OCTOBER 16th, 2019, a fire took hold at Scoil Chaitriona in Coolock, Dublin 5.

As we reported at the time, the school was severely damaged from the blaze, which began at around 6am, lasted for over two hours and left 200 students without a place to learn.

Now the community is rallying together to assist the school in getting back on its feet, with an appeal for people to donate children's books for the school library gaining traction online.

The school had just built a brand new library before the building was gutted by the fire.

Local politician Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, a former teacher and principal, announced the launch of the appeal on Twitter, saying:


"If you can donate any children's books, let me know & I can collect them.

Will also have collection point at school gates every Sat in Nov at 10am."

Organising LIBRARY BOOKS appeal for for @stcatherinesD5 that was damaged in fire last week.



Their new library was destroyed.



If you can donate any children’s books, let me know & I can collect them.

Will also have collection point at school gates every Sat in Nov at 10am.

📚 pic.twitter.com/sAPeGBbIlY — Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (@AodhanORiordain) October 24, 2019

Other voices who have added their support of the the appeal include Ms Deirdre Giblin, Director of Development & External Engagement for the National College of Ireland, who said that any donated books can sent to the college, which is on Mayor Street in Dublin.

Great initiative @AodhanORiordain & as a very proud @stcatherinesD5 past pupil I am retweeting to anyone who may be clearing out kids books suitable for 2nd to 6th class & I will happily receive them at @ncirl on Mayor Street, IFSC & forward on or pick them up 📚🙏 https://t.co/dK4qmVuAsK — Deirdre Giblin (@DeirdreGiblin1) October 25, 2019


Anyone who wishes to help but who cannot drop the books off in person can post them to the school directly using the following address:

Scoil Caitríona Girls,

Measc Avenue,

Coolock,

Dublin 5,

D05HR61