Prison fundraiser lifts €20k for tsunami fund
A tsunami disaster fundraiser in Cork City Gaol has collected over €20,000 including €1,000 from prisoners, it emerged today.
Dozens of inmates had a whip-round of their tuck shop allowance as part of a novel charity stunt organised by prison wardens.
So far €20,000 has been raised after 20 public figures were locked up overnight in a cell in the prison's west wing.
Organiser, prison officer John Kirwan said: “The prisoners had a collection of their modest tuck shop allowance and raised their amount which was very gratefully received.”
Labour TD Kathleen Lynch and RTÉ personality Tracy Piggot joined Chernobyl Children’s Project head Adi Roche in the cells last night.
Kerry GAA star Jack O’Shea and Munster rugby forward Jim Williams also took part in the event.
The celebrities are due to be ‘released’ at 6pm today.
Deputy Lynch said: “It’s a great idea and I was delighted to get involved.
“We’re all supposed to raise our bail before we get out but I suspect other political parties may be trying to keep me in here with the Dail resuming next week.”
Donations can be made to Disaster Appeal a/c No. 86829705 Sort Code 99-07-03 at Permanent TSB, 40 Patrick Street, Cork.
