Laurels charity groups raised over €130k in 2016

By Maurice Garvey

THE Laurels in Clondalkin has done it again – raising €130,000 for charity in 2016.

The pub is a renowned charity backer, raising over €600,000 for good causes since 2009.

At a cheque presentation in the Clondalkin premises on Friday night, Laurels Manager DamienLong, staff and customers involved in fundraisers, presented cheques to charity, including a €66,462 boost for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

Proprietor Louis Fitzgerald, one of the most successful publicans in the country, hailed the sterling work put in by Mr Long and everyone who helped raise funds for charity.

Mr Fitzgerald said: “Damien has been running charities for many years, and the staff in the Laurels buy into the events. I fully support them in their wonderful acts. It makes the Laurels stand out as a pub in Ireland at the top of their game in creating charity events.

“From my point of view, our pub group is very much focused with the Laurels in these charity events and in helping them to run them.”

It has been a busy year for the Louis Fitzgerald group, with the Laurels recently refurbished, and a further €2 million invested refurbishing the Old Mill in Tallaght, the Penny Hill in Lucan, and current work taking place at Joels for a new cocktail bar and pizzeria.

Staff and customers at the Laurels are taking part in the Santa Cycle in aid of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital next December 4.

Damien said: “It is spectacular looking, with everyone lit up in the dark. The cycle starts at 5pm in Phoenix Park at the papal cross – down south quays – up north quays, past the hospital and arriving back in Clondalkin approx-imately at 7.15pm.”

Register for the event in the Laurels or on www.Eventbrite.ie