Alzheimer's ‘tea day' fundraiser in Cork town nearly runs out of cups amid the massive turnout

Irish Independent

08-05-2025

The Irish Alzheimer's Society relies heavily on fundraisers and donations made by the public to continue to provide services for people living with dementia, as well as their families.
The Tea Day was hosted by Aindrias Moynihan TD and Councillor Gobnait Moynihan, and there was a 'huge turnout' on the day, which led to visitors picking up the slack and sorting themselves out with their own mug of tea.
'We had a huge turnout,' Ms Moynihan laughed, 'they all came in at the same time and it got so busy that people had to get their own cup of tea from the kitchen because we couldn't keep up with the amount of people who came in,' she said.
'We were washing cups as quick as we could to fill them with tea,' she added.
The Tea Day brought out the best in the community as both businesses and locals baked cakes and treats on behalf of the Irish Alzheimer's Society.
'There was great support locally for the cakes and stuff, as people were making and baking them, and businesses donated cakes as well.
'We are very grateful for that.
'These events are great for raising awareness of this awful, awful illness, and it highlights that there is support out there,' Ms Moynihan added.
Visitors who were under time constraints had the chance to grab a takeaway cup of tea or coffee and be on their way.
'We try to spread it out in the morning so there is enough time to come at whatever stage and we do have takeaway coffees as well just in case people don't have the time to sit down, but they can take the coffee away with them,' according to Ms Moynihan.
Tea Day Ambassador and Fair City star Úna Crawford O'Brien stated that:
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'Tea is such a small thing, but it creates a moment of pause and comfort in our day.
'For Bryan [her husband, the actor Bryan Murray] and I, tea really is the best time of the day, it's a chance to slow down and connect.'
As of Wednesday, May 7, over €2,500 has been raised by the people of Macroom for the Irish Alzheimer's Society through this year's Tea Day.
Mr Moynihan added it is 'brilliant to see the continuing and growing support year on year for individuals and families living with dementia.'