Local carpenters feature in TV show

By Anna Powell

Local carpenters, Conor O’Brien, Conor Bourke and Eoin Quinn recently took part in the popular TV show, DIY SOS The Big Build Ireland, where tradesmen band together to help a family who have gone through or are going through a hard time. This hit show is presented by Baz Ashmawy.

“It was one of the most special things we have ever experienced really,” reflected Conor O’Brien on behalf of the trio.

“When you see the emotion going through the host family and seeing how much it means to them, you get a great feeling,” he said.

Getting involved in the show

The Tipperary men got involved in the show after they received an email from the show’s producer.

“He saw us online and asked us if we wanted to get involved. He told us the story of the Purcell family, and we just said it was something that we all just wanted to get stuck into. It was a no brainer after that,” explained Conor O’Brien from Portroe.

The Purcell family, of Nikita, Alex, AJ and Carter, featured in the popular TV programme live in Westbury which borders Limerick and Clare. Young Carter was born with a rare genetic condition which has led him to need highly specialised medical care.

Conor added. “We got stuck in like all the other trandesmen and women and got the work done.

“We made a media wall,” he explained about their contribution to the family home.

“If we can help them relax for 10 minutes every day, that’s huge for them. They don’t really get to relax; they are really full-time carers,” he commented.

Working on the show

The Tipp trio were thrilled to help transform the Purcell family home.

“There could have been 70 people there working on the house, between outside and inside,” he remarked.

“You work around one another as you're all there for a good cause that can change somebody’s life so positively,” he added.