€16k raised for Suzanne House by Dragon Inn Walking Club

OVER €16,000 was raised for Suzanne House, a community children’s respite service located in the heart of Tallaght, by a walking group from a Tallaght village pub.

Around 100 people took part in the Dragon Inn Walking Club’s family charity day in aid of Suzanne House on Sunday, June 2, which saw revellers hike from Killakee House to the Hellfire.

Also in attendance was a walking group from Kerry, called the McEvoys, who were returning the favour after the Dragon Inn club attended their charity fun day in the Kingdom last summer.

The hike was followed by a family fun day back at Killakee House, where there were bouncy castles and ice cream as post-hike treats.

The day was organised by Pat Wright and Mick ‘Baldy’ Healy from the Dragon Inn Walking Club and local politician Teresa Costello.

Mick Healy told The Echo: “It was great craic.

“It was one of the best days out we’ve ever had, and after that we had a raffle in the Dragon.

“Everybody enjoyed the day and was impressed with it.”

The fundraiser was well received by Suzanne House, with the service’s clinical nurse manager, Roisin McGarry, explaining that the funds will be used for an extension and improving facilities.

“Any fundraised money for Suzanne House goes directly into improving the facilities for the children here to ensure they have as much fun on their stay as possible,” she told The Echo.

“Our project for 2024 is to build an extension for a sensory bathroom with a hydrotherapy bath for our children.

“We are so incredibly grateful for the support we get in the community.

“It is so lovely also to get to know the community here, we would link in with them at times when there are different events on, and it really makes us feel like we are part of the Tallaght community – we are very lucky.”