A fundraising page set up to help an elderly man get back on his feet after his house was burgled last week has smashed its target in a matter of days.

The JustGiving page was set up by the staff at Rooney’s Spar Shop on the Cornagrade Road to help 79-year-old Frank McCaffrey who had money stolen from his house during the robbery last Thursday, August 8.

The page described Frank as “very fragile due to illness and a recent accident when he was knocked down by a car”.

The post on the JustGiving page continued: “However he tried to remain as independent as he could and we were all amazed at how he just never seemed to give up! The thought of him living in fear is bad enough but to think he will be worrying about money is just terrible. So please if any of you can spare a few pounds it could take that worry from him, and anyone who does donate can be assured that the money will be kept safe for him to use how and when he needs it.”

A target of £500 was set but by Wednesday they page had collected an amazing £1,575.

The staff at Rooney’s were delighted with the response from the local community and those from further afield in helping to get Frank back on his feet.

“We are delighted with the response from the community in such a short space of time,” said a spokesperson for the shop.

“It’s nice that the community have rallied behind him and shown that they are there for him.

“I mean there are people there that we didn’t even know that have donated.

“You flick in every now and again and you see names that you don’t know.

“We just want to thank everybody who has donated and helped Frank.”

The staff who bring Frank his dinner to him said he is very well liked at the shop and they were all very “shocked and saddened” to hear about the burglary.

Police are appealing for information following a report of burglary at residential premises at the Cornagrade Road area on Thursday night.

Sergeant Beeson said: “Shortly after 6.30am this morning (Friday, August 9), it was reported that entry was gained into a house in the area. A sum of money was believed to have been taken during the incident.

“Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 343 09/08/19. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100 per cent anonymous and gives people the power to speak up.”