Lord of the Dance
‘I don’t feel like I am a dad anymore’ - Andrew McGinley on life after loss of his three kids
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‘I don’t feel like I am a dad anymore’ - Andrew McGinley on life after loss of his three kids

ANDREW MCGINLEY says he doesn’t “feel” like a dad anymore following the devastating deaths of his three young children.

The grief-stricken dad-of-three may never come to terms with the events that took place in his family home more than a year ago.

In January 2020, McGinley returned home to discover his partner, Deirdre Morley, had taken the lives of their three young children, Conor, 9, Darragh, 7, and Carla, 3.

On May 20, the 44-year-old former nurse stood trial for the murders.

She was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

During the trial, the court heard how her mental health issues had led her to believe she had ruined her children’s lives beyond repair.

Following the court case, Morley was committed to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum for treatment, where she will continue to be monitored.

McGinley has remained in the family home, having decided to remain there alongside the memories of his three young children.

Speaking in an interview with RSVP Live, the grief-stricken father admitted he was struggling to come to terms with the loss of his three children.

“Anybody who has kids want to talk about them forever and I am no different,” he said.

“In all honesty, people tell me that I am still a father but I don’t feel like I am a dad anymore.”

Deirdre Morley (R) was found not guilty of the murder of her three children Conor, Darragh and Carla McGinley by reason of insanity

McGinley described his first Father’s Day without Conor, Darragh and Carla as ‘the worst day’ and one he desperately tried to distract himself from.

Despite continuing to suffer through these unthinkable loss, McGinley has been heartened by the way the local community of Newcastle in Dublin have rallied around him to provide support.

“Everyone around here has been so supportive and, for me, it is not just the house that is home, it is the whole community that is home to me as well.”

It serves as a stark contrast to the reaction online with McGinley previously targetted by sick online trolls following the deaths of his three children.