Football club donates €2,000 to help cover funeral costs of Waterford arson attack victims
Young boy, one of four killed in tragic house fire in Waterford, receives huge donation from local football club
A local football club has donated €2,000 to help cover the funeral costs of the four people that died in an arson attack in Waterford city on Tuesday.
Philip and Kim English, along with their children Callum and Jayden, died in the house fire which occurred in Birchwood in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Two other children remain in a critical condition in hospital in Dublin.
Over €58,000 has been raised on GoFundMe in just three days following the suspected arson attack on their Waterford home.
The GoFundMe page was set up by a family member to help the grieving family cover the costs of laying their loved ones to rest.
Local football club Johnville FC, who young Callum played for, donated €2,000 to help cover the costs of the funeral.
The football club said in a recent tribute: “Callum was part of our club for five years, starting out in our academy before progressing through our underage teams.
“We have included some photographs of Callum throughout his time with us, from his early academy days through to his schoolboy years, alongside the teammates, coaches and friends who were privileged to share those years with him.
“These pictures capture some of the memories and happy moments that will stay with us forever. Callum was part of our football family, and he will be missed more than words can express by everyone at Johnville FC.
“Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this terrible tragedy, and we continue to keep those still fighting in hospital in our thoughts and prayers.
“A vigil will be held this evening at 5pm in the Sacred Heart Church, for anyone who wishes to attend and come together to remember those we have lost and show support for all those affected.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to keep Callum, his family and loved ones in their thoughts.”
The GoFundMe fundraiser description reads: “With the heaviest of hearts, we are reaching out to ask for help following an unimaginable tragedy that has devastated our family.
“On Tuesday, 13th October 2026 , our beloved Phillip and Kim English, along with their two beautiful children, Callum and Jayden, both under the age of 10, tragically lost their lives in a house fire. There are no words to describe the heartbreak of losing four precious lives in such devastating circumstances.
“As our family tries to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, we are faced with the task of arranging four funerals and giving Phillip, Kim, Callum and Jayden the loving farewells they deserve.”
It continues with: “Tragically, two other siblings are also currently in hospital in critical condition. Our family is enduring an incredibly difficult time, holding on to hope for those still fighting while trying to process the devastating loss of our loved ones.
“We have created this GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses during this heartbreaking time. All money raised will go directly to Paddy, the children’s grandfather, to help cover these costs and support the family through the days and weeks ahead.
“We know times are difficult for everyone, and we are truly grateful for any support people can offer. No donation is too small, and if you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much to us.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who donates, shares this page or keeps our family in their thoughts. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express.
“Phillip, Kim, Callum and Jayden will forever be loved and never forgotten. We pray for strength for our family and hold on to hope for the two siblings still in hospital.”
The link to the GoFundMe fundraising page can be found here.