Nollaig na mBan with a twist

Christmas is coming which is always followed by a largely Cork tradition, Nollaig na mBan. The day is being marked by Focus Ireland with Afternoon Tea in the River Lee Hotel, but this year, with a slightly different setup.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Focus Ireland have agreed with the management of The River Lee Hotel that all tickets purchased can be used to book an afternoon tea at any time during 2021.

With the current homelessness crisis very much in view at this time, Focus Ireland is asking the public to support the work of the charity here in Cork where 419 people are in emergency accommodation.

Focus Ireland’s Cork manager Ger Spillane said: “Focus Ireland is a national organisation based here in Cork since 2007. From our South Mall office,, our dedicated Focus Ireland colleagues work with 124 people on a monthly basis offering a variety of services including advice and information, tenancy resettlement and youth services. We provide 37 homes locally and the plan is to increase this figure substantially by the end of 2020.

“Our work is challenging in the local area as the number of people homeless has increased in recent years and many more are at risk of losing their homes. Government figures show there are 435 adults homeless in Cork city and county. The vast majority are staying in emergency accommodation while a small number sleep rough. To do this we need the continued backing of Cork people who have already been hugely supportive. Crucially, 89 cent of every €1 we spend goes directly back into the services we deliver.”

Nollaig na mBan takes place on 6 January. Tickets are being sold in advance on Eventbrite.ie and from the Focus Ireland offices at 27 South Mall. They are priced at €50 per person. For more information, contact Focus Ireland on 021-4273646 or email dick.white@focusireland.ie.