27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Lap the Lough: Fundraiser aiming to line popular Cork amenity with coins to help sick children
A unique charity fundraiser is set to take place at the Lough in Cork city this June Bank Holiday weekend.
People are invited to 'Lap the Lough' with coins in aid of Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club from 11am to 2pm on June 2, creating a full circle of euro coins in a ring of hope that will help bring sick children to Disneyland Paris.
The event aims to raise funds for the chosen charity, Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club, which works tirelessly to make dreams come true for young patients, organising once-in-a-lifetime adventures, sending sick children on trips to Disneyland Paris and organising Santa visits for sick children at Christmas.
'Lap the Lough' is being organised by former lord mayor Mick Finn, entrepreneur Ernest Cantillon, singer-songwriter Pat Fitzgibbon, chairperson of Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club John Looney, as well as Eimear McCarthy and Emer O'Mahony, who are on a mission to bring businesses and the wider Cork community together to support on the day.
People are being asked to break into their piggy banks and bring €1 or €2 coins to the fundraiser on Monday, June 2 in an attempt to line the whole Lough with coins.
Speaking ahead of the event, organiser Ernest Cantillon, said: 'Break into your change jar or piggy bank to bring €2 or €1 coins to this novel fundraiser, or you can exchange your notes or cards for coins onsite to create a ring right around the inside path of the Lough.
'We are hoping to literally surround The Lough with kindness. Whether you give €2 or €200, you're part of something magical.'
Chairperson of Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club, John Looney, thanked the Cork community for getting behind the event which he described as 'the craziest we have ever done'.
'There's something very special about this event. It's about showing up, giving what you can, and doing something simple, but powerful, for kids who really need a lift,' he said.
People are being asked to break into their piggy banks and bring €1 or €2 coins to the fundraiser on Monday, June 2 in an attempt to line the whole Lough with coins. Picture: Dan Linehan
Volunteers, including those from The Lough Scouts and The Lough Credit Union, will be on hand on the day to direct people to their own station around The Lough, where they'll get to place the coins themselves, metre by metre, in a powerful symbol of unity, compassion, and community spirit.
Those who cannot join on the day but would like to support the cause can make advance donations. Businesses, local clubs or schools can sponsor a metre of coins for €20.
Businesses and organisation who would like to make a donation can email lapthelough@ or visit the dedicated Go Fund Me Page.
