RAMS raise €3k for Irish Cancer Society on Daffodil Day

A RETIRED men’s choir raised €3,000 for the Irish Cancer Society when they performed in The Square Shopping Centre last month for Daffodil Day, reports Aideen O’Flaherty.

The singers from the Newcastle-based RAMS in Rhythm were in full voice when they treated shoppers and staff to uplifting covers of popular songs – all for a good cause.

The middle floor of the Square became their stage during their three-hour performances, which included hits like ‘Wagon Wheel’, ‘Dance the Night Away’ and ‘Say You Love Me’.

Matthew Dowling from RAMS told The Echo: “Lots of people sat around the concourse, and enjoyed the music as if they were at a concert.

“It was with kind permission from the management of The Square Shopping Centre, that facilitated the RAMS to sing and fundraise for The Irish Cancer Society.

“The generosity of the patrons, customers, staff, and shop owners was so overwhelming that a large sum of money was donated to the Irish Cancer Society.”

The event marked the fifth year that the RAMS in Rhythm have supported the Irish Cancer Society, and they will be back in The Square on April 20 to raise funds for a local cancer support group.

RAMS in Rhythm will also be performing in Avoca in Rathcoole on April 27 to raise funds for the Four Districts Community First Responders.

Summing up the RAMS group overall, Matt said: “The Retired Active Men’s Social are a group of over 50 men, who socialise, sing, fundraise, gardening in the local community, support other local groups, celebrate members 80th and 90th birthdays, and most of all enjoy ourselves.

“The RAMS group meets every Thursday morning in the community centre in Newcastle, and new members over 60 years of age are most welcome.”