€4,000 raised at ball by TU Dublin students for Saoirse

A GROUP of event management students from TUDublin’s Tallaght Campus presented a cheque for €4,000 to Saoirse Domestic Violence Services last week.

The money was raised as a result of a charity ball that the students held in Naas last month, which over 300 students attended.

The proceeds were then donated to Saoirse, and the students presented a cheque to a representative of the charity in the college campus last Wednesday, May 1.

One of the students who organised the event, Killinarden woman Megan McGarry, told The Echo about how important Saoirse’s work is.

“Saoirse provides crucial support and resources to survivors of domestic violence, aiming to empower them and help them break free from abusive situations,” said Megan.

“Their services include emergency accommodation, counselling, legal support, and outreach programmes.

“They work tirelessly to raise awareness about domestic violence and advocate for systemic changes to prevent and address it effectively.”

She added that TUD Tallaght already has established links with Saoirse, as students from the college have gone on to work for them.

“TUD’s connection with Saoirse extends beyond our donation,” explained Megan.

“Past student Chloe Hanna, who graduated from TUD this year, will be entering the role of court support worker for Saoirse.

“This role was previously filled by another TUD past student, Lesley Barrett, who graduated from the college in 2020.

“Lesley was also a member of the TUD Students’ Union in her time at the college.

“Through her work with Saoirse, Lesley is now taking on a role full-time in training and development, and both students came from TUD’s applied social care degree course.”

Megan added that the charity ball was “a huge success”, and students from the college plan to further maintain their connection to Saoirse.