A Derry family who could have died when their prized shed was destroyed by arsonists in 2014 have held a grand re-opening to kick-off Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign.
Selena Doherty-McFeely, along with family and friends enjoyed making use of the new shed during the Republic’s opening match of the football tournament on Monday.
The shed which is spacious enough to hold up to forty people will be a hive of activity for the remainder of the Euros.
However, it could have been a completely different story in October 2014 when arsonists set the oil tank on fire at their home in Temple Park, Galliagh.
The fire engulfed their shed - which sat just feet away from their house - and moved to their neighbours back garden.
It was a matter of minutes away from spreading to Selena’s home, according to the fire-fighters who tackled it.
If it wasn’t for the actions of a quick-thinking neighbour Selena and her family could have died in the blaze.
Selena explained: “The oil tank was set on fire; our neighbours had to wake us from our beds.
“If they hadn’t then it’s possible the fire could’ve spread to the house and we could have died, it was attempted murder.
“At the time we didn’t know whether to stay in the area or go as there was a lot of anti-social behaviour going on at the time.”
Thankfully, Selena and her family didn’t allow the arsonists to win and the rebuilding of their new shed which brings family and community together will act as symbol of their courage.
The first shed was virtually ready-made when they bought it from Beaver Log Cabins with ‘great big windows’ and simply needed decorated.
This time it was successfully built from scratch thanks to the help of family members and friends.
Selena said: “The boys got together to build this shed from repurposed materials. They have been working on it for about six months to a year, so it was a big project for them.
“Now that it’s up and running it can fit up to forty people.
“There is a bar in it, a TV, a seating area and an area outside it for watching TV as well.”
Selena’s uncle Father Paddy Donaghey was a priest in America but he never forgot his Irish roots.
When he passed away he left his possessions to the family.
As a tribute to Father Paddy the shed has been decorated with his blend of Irish American memorabilia, such as the famous Route 66 sign and flags linking Derry and America.
Selena added: “My uncle was a priest and he lived in America so a lot of the stuff inside is stuff that he passed on to us when he died.
“It was a long time in the making so it was just brilliant to make use of it with family and friends at the weekend.
“My son and his friends come round and they love it as well, it is going to be great craic in there the rest of the summer.
”I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in making it: my husband Dan McFeely, Ryan Mc Feely, Gerard McFeely, John Hegarty, Jonathan Hegarty and Eamon McGuire.”
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