Vote for Colin Farrell's Dublin marathon run with Laois' Emma Fogarty as RTÉ Liveline's best moment 2024
Joe Duffy says charity effort by Hollywood star and Abbeyleix women is on RTÉ Liveline's shortlist for highs
The marathon efforts of Abbeyleix woman Emma Fogarty and Hollywood star Colin Farrell could be in line to be one of the most inspirational moments of 2024 as chosen by Liveline listeners on RTÉ Radio.
Promoting his highs and lows special of 2024 to be broadcast on Wednesday, December 18, Joe Duffy gave the example of the charity efforts of the Laois woman and Irish actor.
Joe will be joined for the popular show RTÉ Radio 1 by Afric O'Connell of 2FM, Moya Dunphy, author and broadcaster, Dr Chris Fitzpatrick, former Master of the Coombe Maternity Hospital, Sinead O'Carroll of the Journal.ie.
Joe told Liveline listeners on Tuesday, December 17 that they can pick the most inspirational moment of the year from a prepared shortlist of ten achievements.
He gave Colin Farrell's marathon run with Emma as an example of the most uplifting moment of the year. People will be asked to vote for this by texting this through a system devised by the Liveline team.
Emma joined Colin during the Dubin Marathon in October as part of a fundraiser to help people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) or "butterfly skin" which the Abbeyleix woman suffers from.
The actor, who has known and helped Emma's charity Debra Ireland for years, pushed Emma over the finish line in a wheelchair. Their joint effort has raised nearly €1 million for people with EB. The fundraiser coincided with a huge year for Emma as she celebrated her 40th birthday living with the incurable skin disease.
Colin and Emma before setting off on the run.
"I can’t even begin to tell you what this means to me. It’s not just about crossing a finish line. It’s about defying the odds one more time and showing the world that, together, we can make a real difference for people with EB," said Emma bout the fundraiser.
The actor praised his Laois friend.
"She is what courage is all about. I have known Emma for many years and she epitomises bravery, she is what courage and pure determination are all about," he said.
Debra Ireland was astounded and grateful for their efforts and support given by the public.
"We are absolutely blown away by the incredible support for Emma Fogarty, Colin Farrell, and everyone affected by EB.
"Every euro donated will continue to fund vital research, provide critical services, and transform the lives of those living with butterfly skin," they said.
Other highs on the shortlist are Cillian Murphy's Oscar win, the Team Ireland Olympic squad, Melbourne Cup winning jockey Robbie Dolan from Kildare, Chris Martin's, Apple tax refund, Deposit Return Scheme the Dublin portal, Taylor Swift mania in Ireland, Saoirse Ronan comments on safety on the Graham Norton.