Outpouring of GoFundMe support for family of Longford based father-of-eight Garda Bland
Garda Bland sadly passed away this week
GAA clubs and businesses across Longford and beyond have been sharing a GoFundMe set up in support of Garda Dermot Bland’s family in Killoe following his unexpected passing this week.
The fundraiser for the family of the much-loved Garda was established on Wednesday August 18, reaching in excess of €39,000 from 505 donations made within the first 18 hours. It’s currently aiming to raise €60,000, and people both county-wide and nationwide are showing their support.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, which you can find here, organiser Claire Kiernan said, “We are deeply saddened to share that our friend Garda Dermot Bland has passed away unexpectedly. Our hearts are broken for his wife Caitriona and 8 beautiful children.”
“We remember Dermot as a wonderful, hardworking, kind, husband, father, neighbour and friend. He was a big part of the Killoe community and he will be very sadly missed.”
She added, “All donations will go directly to his wife Caitríona and his family. We would be grateful for your support to ease the burden on this devastated family. Please share this within your groups, workplaces and networks.”
Garda Bland was a highly respected member of both the Killoe community and An Garda Síochána, with widespread condolences being expressed following his death.
Funeral Mass for Garda Bland will take place tomorrow, Friday August 14, at 12 noon in St Mary’s Church, Ennybegs, with burial afterwards in the New Cemetery in Cullyfad.
Extra seating will be available in the community centre beside the church where the Funeral Mass will be live streamed