Latest news with #BigPicnic
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
In photos: Famous faces join forces in Kildare in support of the Barretstown Big Picnic fundraiser
Funds raised go towards the provision of Barretstown's life changing therapeutic camps and programmes for children impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses. To date, Barretstown has served over 125,000 children and families through its specially designed residential and outreach camps and programmes, and, over the weekend, welcomed guests to its fabulous campus for a fun-filled family day out. Attendees were treated to an action-packed line-up that included breath-taking performances from Fossett's Circus, activities such as canoeing and face painting, music, dance, and much more. Famous personalities spotted enjoying the day included presenter Anna Daly, model Sarah Morrissey, jeweller and entrepreneur Chupi Sweetman, model Sarah McGovern, former Ireland women's rugby player Lindsay Peat, TV stylist Rosalind Lipsett, GAA star Hannah Tyrrell and wife Sorcha Turnbull and fashion designer Don O'Neill as well as his husband, Pascal Guillermie. In addition to the entertainment and activities on the day, visitors were also given the opportunity to tour the Barretstown facilities, meeting staff and volunteers who deliver its life-changing programmes. 'I would like to sincerely thank all those who attended this year's Big Picnic and were part of creating such a wonderful atmosphere,' said Barretstown CEO, Dee Ahearn "Special events like this provide an invaluable opportunity to showcase the real impact of such generous support and highlight the vital work carried out by Barretstown. "The funds raised are crucial in allowing us to continue to deliver our therapeutic camps and programmes to as many seriously ill children and their families as possible.'
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Thousands of children and their families gather for Barretstown's Big Picnic
TV star Anna Daly joined thousands of children and their families at Barretstown's annual Big Picnic yesterday. Families across the country were welcomed to the charity's 500-acre campus in Ballymore Eustance, Co Kildare. The fun day included breathtaking performances from Fossett's Circus, activities such as canoeing and face painting, music, dance, and much more. Visitors were also given the opportunity to tour the Barretstown facilities and meet staff and volunteers who deliver its life-changing programmes. In association with Brady Family Ham, funds raised from the day will go towards the provision of Barretstown's therapeutic camps and programmes for children impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses. Ava Sheppard Farrell (5) from Leixlip at the Barretstown Big Picnic 2025 (Image: Conor O'Mearain / Photocall Ireland) Other well-known faces that were spotted at the Big Picnic include model Sarah Morrissey, jeweller and entrepreneur Chupi Sweetman, former Ireland women's rugby player Lindsay Peat and TV stylist Rosalind Lipsett. Barretstown CEO Dee Ahearn said: "Special events like this provide an invaluable opportunity to showcase the real impact of such generous support and highlight the vital work carried out by Barretstown. "The funds raised are crucial in allowing us to continue to deliver our therapeutic camps and programmes to as many seriously ill children and their families as possible.' Established by actor Paul Newman in 1994, Barretstown has served over 125,000 children and their families through its therapeutic camps and programmes. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
Barretstown opens to public for 'Big Picnic' fundraiser
Children's charity Barretstown opened its gates to the public for its annual Big Picnic event. The charity supports children affected by serious illness, with around 27,000 children receiving help from Barretstown each year. Barretstown runs outreach programmes to hospitals, schools and community groups and 5,000 children and their families avail of its services at its campus in Ballymore Eustace in Co Kildare. Ciara Cogley, 14, from Co Wexford has been coming with her family for the past four years. She lives with a rare, inherited blood condition called hereditary spherocytosis, which requires lifelong care. It affects her red blood cells, causing conditions like regular jaundice and tiredness. However, she said she can participate in many of the activities at Barretstown, including horse riding, rock climbing, archery, canoeing and fishing. "We've been coming since 2021 and every time it just gets better," she said. "Its just magical," Ciara added. Her dad Darryl said: "Its unbelievable what Barretstown do. I mean you leave your problems at the door, at the gate as you come in." The charity needs €10 million in funding annually to provide its services, which are both residential and outreach. Its CEO Dee Ahearn said fundraising is always a challenge as the charity gets just 4% of its operating costs from the Government each year. "This year, Barretstown will serve 27,000 campers and 5,000 of those will be served through our residential services here at Barretstown, but they'll also be served through our outreach programmes in hospitals, schools and communities all over Ireland," she said. Ms Ahearn said the charity also goes into the homes of families where a child can be too sick to go to Co Kildare for a residential stay. "When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, these families are plunged into a world of hospitals, doctors and often gruelling treatment," she explained. "The reality of it is they have to grow up too quickly and they lose out on a large part of their childhood, and that's why our programmes are so important," Ms Ahearn added. The programmes are for the whole family and Mia Sheils attends each year with her older brother Teagan, who is 13 years old. Today, the extended family, including her cousin Nikita, was having a look at all the activities on offer. "We love it here, it's very fun," she said. "Its good for him because he loves canoeing and fishing," Mia said. Sineád Smyth visited for the day to help with the fundraising efforts, along with her 15-year-old son Cian, who uses a wheelchair. Both said they were delighted with how inclusive all the activities are. "Cian can partake in lots of things, for example, the climbing wall, he's able to do the climbing wall with his sisters," she said. "They have really good facilities for people in wheelchairs," said Cian, who explained that he was able to go "high enough!".
The Journal
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Barretstown urges families to attend its annual Big Picnic this weekend
THE BARRETSTOWN BIG Picnic is coming back this Sunday, welcoming families from across the country to visit its 500-acre campus in Ballymore Eustance in Co Kildare. Barretstown, a charity established by actor Paul Newman in 1994, serves children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses and their families. To date, the charity has served over 125,000 children and their families through its therapeutic camps and programmes. Modelled on Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut in the US, the charity's mission is to help the children it supports rebuild their lives. The Big Picnic taking place on Sunday welcomes everyone to visit the event, which will include shows from Fossett's Circus, live music, activities including canoeing and archery, and food stalls across the campus. Advertisement CEO of Barretstown, Dee Ahearn, said that the annual picnic is 'a huge highlight' of the charity's calendar that showcases the charity's activities and facilities it provides for the children its work seeks to help. 'We offer a unique blend of fun, friendship and specialised care that helps children regain their confidence, self-esteem and independence after the often traumatic journey through serious childhood illnesses,' she said, adding that she and the team 'can't wait' to welcome families and supporters to the campus. 'We are appealing to as many as possible to come and experience the magic of Barretstown for themselves and support the vital work that transforms lives throughout the year.' Barretstown receives minimal government funding, the charity said, and is almost entirely supported by donations and fundraising efforts. 'The services provided to all the children and families who come to Barretstown are entirely free of charge, so donations and fundraising efforts are vital for the charity to help more sick children experience the magic of Barretstown each year,' a spokesperson said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Barretstown Big Picnic returns for a fun-filled family day out in Kildare
The Barretstown Big Picnic is taking place in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare on Sunday July 20 The Barretstown Big Picnic is back once again welcoming families from all over Ireland to visit its stunning 500-acre campus in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare on Sunday, July 20 for a day of adventure and unforgettable memories. To date, the charity has served over 125,000 seriously ill children and their families through the provision of its therapeutic camps and programmes. The money raised from the Barretstown Big Picnic will ensure that this legacy continues. Kindly supported by Brady Family Ham, the Big Picnic will include their popular sandwich making workshops, offering tasty fun for kids and grown-ups alike. One of the biggest highlights of the day is the return of Fossett's Circus, who will be putting on three spectacular shows throughout the day, showcasing jaw-dropping acrobats, dazzling magicians and high-flying stunts that are set to be a whirlwind of fun. There will be a whole host of other exciting activities, from canoeing and archery, to dancing, giant games, mini golf and plenty more, with live music and delicious food stalls dotted around the campus. For those who cannot attend the Barretstown Big Picnic, they are invited to host their very own picnic event in aid of the charity. 'The Big Picnic is a huge highlight of our calendar where we open the gates of Barretstown and showcase all the incredible activities and facilities we have for children facing cancer and other serious illnesses,' said CEO of Barretstown, Dee Ahearn. "Through our life changing programmes, we offer a unique blend of fun, friendship and specialised care that helps children regain their confidence, self-esteem and independence after the often traumatic journey through serious childhood illnesses. 'We can't wait to welcome families and supporters to our beautiful campus on July 20 for a fantastic day full of laughter, adventure and community spirit. We are appealing to as many as possible to come and experience the magic of Barretstown for themselves and support the vital work that transforms lives throughout the year.' The Barretstown Big Picnic is taking place from 10.30am until 4.30pm on Sunday July 20. All activities on the day except for the circus are free. Fossett's Circus will perform three live shows on the day and tickets must be booked in advance. Family tickets (two adults and two children) are €50. Additional individual adult tickets are €16 per person, while additional child tickets are €12 per person. For more information on how to book tickets you can visit the Barretstown website.
