Laurels for Our Lady

Congratulations to the General Manager of The Laurels pub Damien Long and his fellow barman Denis McCarthy who, together with six of the pub’s customers, have become Ireland’s biggest non-corporate donor to Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin.

 

Set in the heart of Clondalkin in South County Dublin, The Laurels ‘syndicate’ has raised over €945,000 since 2009 which has bought equipment for the Orthopaedic ward and is used in operations to this day.

The money has also funded operations on seriously sick children with another hospital charity within the Childrens’ Medical Research Foundation umbrella, ‘Straight Ahead’, where surgeons, nurses and theatre staff give their time for free.

Over 100 children’s lives have been totally transformed by the fantastic work they do.

All this is done with the Clondalkin community and The Laurels’ regular customers.

“I feel that this has benefitted us as a pub and we increased our standing in the local community and how people feel they belong to something,” explained Damien, “The licensing trade is more than just drink and always has been part of the community like the garda station, local newsagent or post office.

“We have our Santa cycle on the first Sunday in December every year where we have 500 Santas cycling from the Phoenix Park through Dublin across O’Connell Bridge and back to Clondalkin for Our Lady’s hospital.”

Closing Time feels that this sterling effort by Damien and his group should be heavily assisted this year in particular so that they can hit the €1 million-mark.

 

 

If you’d like to contribute or help in any way, contact Damien at The Laurels on 01-4570833.