Local man speaks about giving refuge to people during Carlow shooting
Carlow's Fairgreen Shopping Center reopened on Wednesday following a shooting incident which left one man dead and a nine-year-old girl injured.
Wicklow man Evan Fitzgerald fired a number of shots inside the Tesco supermarket at the Shopping Centre at around 6:15pm on Sunday.
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The 22-year-old Kiltegan man was fatally injured during the incident, after he turned a shot-gun on himself. A girl sustained minor injuries running from the scene, was attended to by paramedics at the scene and was subsequently taken home by relatives.
Gardaí and emergency response teams rushed to the scene and cordoned off a wide area.
John Brophy manager of the shopping centre thanked those for the public's 'understanding and patience'.
In a statement Mr Brophy said: "To all Managers, staff, customers, our own security team and the Front Line services, Gardaí, Fire Services etc. we offer sincere thanks and appreciation.'
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Gardaí have yet to give clearance for Tesco supermarket to reopen.
A father-of-three who was in his front garden in Carlow town on Sunday evening with his children when shooter Evan Fitzgerald entered Fairgreen Shopping Centre gave refuge to dozens terrified shoppers running from the complex as 'mayhem' broke out.
Pa Cahill (48) who lives in the adjoining New Oak Housing Estate was painting chairs for his mother in his front garden while his children aged nine to four were playing alongside him.
Mr Cahill outlined what he saw and did to help on Sunday evening.
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'I was in the front garden painting chairs for my mother and my children, two girls and a boy were out playing too, when I heard loud bangs and pops. I was wondering why would people be using fireworks at this time of year, as that couldn't be right.'
'Next thing I saw when I began looking around where dozens of people running down our road from the shopping centre. They were screaming, shouting and absolutely terrified. Some were even gasping for breath. Many were from the Asian community and all ages.'
Mr Cahill, rushed his children inside his house and went back out and also ushered them into his sitting room.
'It was mostly women who were running and they were really, really shocked and visibly shaking. They asked me could they come in and of course I let as many as I could into the house.
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"I didn't have time to think about what was unfolding as I wanted to make sure my own children were alright and those who were looking for help.
"It happened in a blink of an eye being honest. I would never turn anyone away who needed help let alone something like this. It's not the Irish thing to do.
'I then went up the road and looked over the wall at the centre and I could see gardaí everywhere dealing with what was happening.
He went back to the house and tried to re-assure them that everything was under control. About 30 minutes later it was evident that it was safe around the centre and area so the group of people felt it was ok to leave.
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The father said that the community in the housing estate was very close knit but that people are still 'weary and unsure' of themselves after the incident.
'My children are still asking questions about what occurred. My youngest is asking if 'the shooting will happen again,' so it's important to explain as much as you think they are able to cope with and understand,' added Mr Cahill.
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He said: 'You never think something like this would happen in Ireland let alone Carlow. You hear about such incidents in the US but not hear.
"People here in the town and county are truly devastated over what has happened.' Mr Cahill also praised Tesco and the shopping centre staff for their brave efforts in helping people affected.
The HSE is continuing to offer support in the community in response to the 'traumatic events'. On Wednesday, the HSE Dublin and South East psychology staff will again be available in Carlow Primary Care Centre between 9am and 5pm.
The HSE said: 'This is a support service to anyone impacted by last Sunday's events in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre.
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