Limerick musicians, schools and community groups asked to ‘Make Some Noise’ to help end homelessness

MUSICIANS, bands, communities and schools across Limerick are being asked to ‘Make Some Noise’ to help end homelessness  as Focus Ireland launches its new nationwide fundraising and awareness campaign in partnership with SPIN South West radio.

‘Make Some Noise' will see musicians, singers, DJs, choirs and community groups organise performances or join live events across the county and country on Friday, May 1, to raise awareness and funds to help end homelessness for good.

The initiative is proudly supported in Limerick by SPIN South West who will amplify activities across the region as communities come together to host gigs, concerts and events and stage their own noise moments to raise funds and awareness of the work being done by national homelessness charity, Focus Ireland.

Live music events organised by Focus Ireland and supported by SPIN South West will take place from 10am to 6pm on May 1 in Limerick’s Crescent Shopping Centre, featuring performances by locally based musicians. Listeners across the region are also encouraged to organise their own gigs in pubs, music venues, schools or local communities.

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Primary schools across the country are invited to take part in a ‘national noise moment’ on May 1 by assembling in the school yard, gym or hall at 11am to make as much noise as possible for one minute by shouting, singing, clapping, banging drums or making noise whatever way they like while raising funds for Focus Ireland by donating €2 per child.

The Make Some Noise campaign comes as the country's homelessness crisis continues to deepen, having risen by 9% in the last year. Currently, 17,308 people including almost 5,500 (5,457) children are without a home. 

Across the Mid-West there are now 736 people experiencing homelessness living in emergency accommodation, including almost 200 families (197) and 331 children.

In 2025, Focus Ireland supported 181 families across Limerick city and county, and currently provides long term accommodation for over 100 families. Last year, the charity also worked with 75 young people and resettled 32 families, helping them leave homelessness behind.

Almost 80 adults (77) and over 100 children currently live in Childers Road Family Initiative (CRFI) Emergency Accommodation, and are supported by Focus Ireland staff.

Founded in 2017, CRFI provides vital support to families and children living in emergency accommodation, offering case management and child-centred services to help families move forward.

Launching Make Some Noise, Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan said: “At Focus Ireland, we want to end child homelessness, but we know that we can’t do it alone. We are delighted to be working with SPIN South West and together we want to Make Some Noise and raise funds for Focus Ireland on Friday, May 1.

“We know that homelessness affects people right across the country, with a record number of children experiencing the disruption to their education, development, and family life caused by living in emergency accommodation. This is wrong.

“Whether you organise a gig in your local town, join one of our events, or make some noise at school, together, we can all play our part in ensuring no child is without a home.”

Presenters across Bauer Media’s regional radio stations are encouraging listeners to sign up, organise gigs and support performers in their local area.

Ed Roche and Valerie Wheeler, presenters on SPIN South West added: 

“We’re all buzzing in here to be working with Focus Ireland this year for ‘Make Some Noise’, an inspiring campaign that brings communities together through music to support those affected by homelessness. It’s truly heartbreaking to know so many children are living without a place to call home, and it highlights how important it is for all of us to play a part. We’re proud to support the campaign at SPIN South West and would encourage all our loyal listeners to get involved and sign up today.”

Young Limerick musician Caoimhe Griffin is performing in the Crescent Shopping Centre as part of Make Some Noise this year.

She said: “Over the last two years, I’ve really enjoyed participating in The Big Busk. The day of the event is always so fun and there’s always a great turn out. It’s a perfect way to get people involved and connected when fighting against homelessness.”

Focus Ireland hopes the Make Some Noise campaign will create a nationwide movement using music to help end child homelessness for good.