THE LONGEST coffee morning in Ireland returned for the first time post-Covid and for some attendees it was the first time they left their house since the pandemic.
Mike O’Donoghue opened up his home in Pallasgreen to one and all from 7am to midnight last Friday. He started the event in 2015 with Saoirse Corbett, Tara Campbell, Sarah Dillon to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society.
It grew bigger and bigger over the years but had to be called off in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to Covid. Instead, they held three 24-hour fasts and sleep-outs on the grounds of Nicker church.
In the intervening years, Mike, Saoirse, Tara, Sarah have been joined by Aine Looby, Maurice Barrett, Ellie and Sarah Phelan and they have become collectively known as the “mighty eight”.
Last Friday, they welcomed one and all back to the longest coffee morning in Ireland.
“This is where we started, it’s fantastic to be back and let’s hope we can continue with it. A good few of those that came met people they hadn’t seen since Covid. We also had residents from St Anthony’s Nursing Home and Brothers of Charity service users. We are absolutely thrilled with the day,” said Mike.
They even welcomed a number of people that hadn’t left their homes since Covid and this was their first time out. Like the over 230 who called, they were made feel at home with one of the mighty eight dishing up a hot cuppa and slice of cake.
Their first arrival came after 7am and a steady stream of people continued until after 11.30pm.
During the day a magnolia tree was planted and a plaque unveiled with the inscription, “This tree was planted for all of those affected by cancer”.
After Mass in Nicker on Saturday, the rosary was said and candles lit around the tree. Between donations at the coffee morning and Daffodil Day pin sales in local shops, more than €11,000 was raised for the Irish Cancer Society.
“I want to say a special thanks to everybody who helped out in any way, donated food and donated money and we’re still open for donations,” said Mike.
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