A former Irish soldier gave up his modest three-bedroom house and moved to a smaller one-bedroom maisonette to help out a young family.

Paddy Phelan, who served for 24 years with the Defence Forces, made the decision when he discovered a family had been on the waiting list for a home for seven years.

Phelan did not think twice and moved out of his social housing home in Abbeyleix, County Laois to make way for Kieran Ritchie, fiancée Lauren and their two children. As per the Will Faulkner show on radio station Midlands 103 via the Irish Independent on Feb. 27, Phelan thought it was “the honorable thing to do.”

He discussed his decision with his family before moving out of his home for 12 years. Phelan has four daughters who are all grown up and have lives of their own. He has also met the couple and their children, who are all happy for having found a home, the report further stated. Before moving in, the couple’s son and daughter apparently were sharing a room. Today, they have rooms of their own.

“I’ll never forget the  look on all their faces and to see how happy the children were,” Phelan was quoted as saying. “I’m happy for them and I can only wish them well.”

He also encouraged other people with unused bedrooms to considering downsizing.

“It’s a crying shame that these houses are lying basically idle,” Phelan said. “People should seriously consider their position and accommodate a family if they can.” Cody Cepeda/JB

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