Cystic Fibrosis: Publicans urged to take up singing challenge

Publicans and bar staff all over Ireland are being urged to take up a singing challenge to raise funds to help those suffering with cystic fibrosis.

Fergal Smyth, fundraising manager of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, said the Raise the Bar for CF campaign involves pub owners or bar staff being nominated to sing a song for customers.

The nominated publican or bar staff member then organises a whip-round among customers to raise funds and posts the performance online with the amount collected, he said.

Mr Smyth said the publican or bar staff member then nominates another publican to do likewise and it’s hoped the campaign will take off nationally to raise badly needed funds.

“Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is hoping as many pubs as possible will get involved in the challenge and have set the bar at raising €65,000 for cystic fibrosis supports and services,” he said.

The Raise the Bar for CF campaign has just kicked off, with Elaine Carew Kirwan, owner of the Barne Lodge in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, being the first publican to take up the challenge.

“For weeks now I have been practising my scales and attending a singing coach to get my vocals just right. I’ve been singing in the shower, in the cellar, even in the bed,” she said.

Ms Carew Kirwan’s performance in the Barne Lodge went down a treat with customers and raised over €900 for CF before she went on to nominate other publicans to complete the challenge.

Among the publicans which Ms Carew Kirwan nominated were Nora O’Sullivan from Nenagh, Gerry Chawke from Clonmel and Gus O’Mahony in Crossbarry, Co Cork.

“I would urge people to go along on the evening, where you will be guaranteed a lot of fun and entertainment and an opportunity to make a difference to a very worthy cause,” she said.

Mr Smyth paid tribute to Ms Carew Kirwan and the customers of the Barne Lodge for getting the Raise the Bar for CF challenge off the ground.