Family pins hopes on Dominican clinic to help Eirin

Thanks to peoples generosity, a Mullingar toddler, suffering from a debilitating and rare condition, is to fly to the Dominican Republic for essential medical treatment.Little Eirin O"Connor-Nolan, who turns four on Sunday, has spent the greater part of her first three years of life in hospitals, suffering seizures, breathing problems and developmental difficulties due to a chromosome disorder which has baffled medical experts.Her family, who have pinned their hopes on the techniques in use at a specialist clinic in the Dominican Republic, appealed to local people to help them raise the funds required to get Eirin abroad - and have been thrilled at the generous response to their pleas.Just last Sunday night, April 19, 'bucketfuls' of cash were collected at a special fundraising night for Eirin at the Annebrook House Hotel in Mullingar, meaning that Eirin can now travel the long journey to the Dominican Republic this weekend, accompanied by her mum Lydia O"Connor, her dad David Nolan, and her grandmother, Liz O"Connor.There, on Monday morning, she will receive two days of treatment for her rare condition.Eirin"s family hopes that the treatment will provide her with a chance to improve her quality of life.The fundraising event on Sunday night was supported by well known Mullingar-based band The Aftermath, who have associated themselves with the Friends of Eirin campaign, performing a free gig for those in attendance.Speaking on behalf of the family this week, Ben O"Connor, Eirin"s grandfather, said that he had a 'huge appreciation' for the support of the people of Mullingar and Westmeath.'We"d like to thank everybody in Mullingar for everything they have done. They know who they are,' Mr. O"Connor said. He paid special tribute to The Aftermath, saying that their contribution to the fundraising effort had been invaluable.More information on Eirin can be found on-line at www.friendsofeirin.webs.com. A charity account has also been set up and any donations would be gratefully accepted. The account details are: The Mullingar branch of Permanent TSB, account name, Friends of Eirin, account number 14546456 and the sort code is 99-07-33.