Joanne moved into St. Canice's Hall, Finglas, in January 2022.

"I live with my husband, we’ve been together for 22 years. I also have a stepdaughter who pops in all the time with the grandkids. I have a teenager, he’s thirteen next week, he’ll be an official teenager! He’s in MMA, he loves that. My partner is a kickboxing champion—so it’ s in the genes! My youngest is six. He has autism and is doing great in school. We had his parent teacher meeting recently and he is top of his class. He’s also a peacekeeper, he’s good for breaking up fights and standing up for people. He’s a sensitive little soul.

We were trying to get him a dog, but the breed he really wanted was difficult to find. They said it’d be great to have a dog of his own, to help him calm down if he’s stressed, so hopefully soon.

We’ve settled into St. Canice’s quite well. We keep to ourselves but everyone here seems friendly and says hello when they pass you. We’re near the playground which is great. Our youngest is able to go up there on his own. We were initially worried that there was no side gate, but there is now. We did miss our old place, we had some difficulty there, but now we’ve adjusted to our new place. I feel like my kids are safer here.

My little boy is settling now, he takes his toys out, he has a spot to himself, we got him a swingy egg chair he can chill out in when he needs to and no one can disturb him.

We’re most looking forward to celebrating my husband’s 50th and to have peace and security in our new place. My son is also making his communion, we’re going to go all out."

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