Holy Rosary raise €5,500 during Shine A Light Night
Staff from Holy Rosary during the sleep-out. From L-R Mary Roberts, Dara Lalor, Maria Kelly and Deirdre Kelly

Holy Rosary raise €5,500 during Shine A Light Night

A PRIMARY school has raised over €5,500 euro for Focus Ireland by taking part in the ‘Shine a Light Night’ fundraiser and sleeping out on the school grounds.

Fifteen staff from Holy Rosary Primary School in Ballycullen took part in the Focus Ireland fundraiser last Friday night, October 15.

As part of the fundraiser for the charity, the pupils had a non-uniform day and raised €1,378 by bringing in €1 and €2’s, with some students generously giving as much as €20 from their communion and confirmation money.

The school has raised an incredible €5,565 so far, with donations still rolling in. The school have raised the second highest amount across Ireland in the school’s category for the fundraiser.

Speaking with The Echo, school secretary Maria Kelly said that the charity is one close to the hearts of the staff and students at Holy Rosary.

“The school wanted to take part in raising funds for Focus Ireland as homelessness has affected families within the school over the years and continues to be an issue for some of our families,” she explained.

: Shamrock Rovers players Roberto Lopes and Richie Towell show their support with Maria Kelly and Austin Smyth, school caretaker

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of the children, parents, our families and friends and the support of our Board of Management who helped us raise such a fantastic amount of money.

“When I voiced this initially, I was hoping that we might get around €1,000 from the children because we have done non-uniform days before. I thought to be able to get to €1,500 to €2,000 we would be delighted, so to get over €5,500 is just brilliant and we are thrilled.”

To help launch and promote the fundraising event at the school, Shamrock Rovers players Pico Lopes and Richie Towell as well as Development Officer Tony O’Neill paid the students a special visit the day before the event on Thursday, October 14.

“The two players answered lots of questions from the children and spoke to them about their involvement in the Street Leagues Initiative where people who are experiencing homelessness train twice a week and play matches at the weekend. We are so grateful to Shamrock Rovers for their generosity and support,” said Maria.

The school also thanked Macari’s in Old Bawn, Cinelli’s in Firhouse and Spar in Old Court who provided them with refreshments on the night.

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