Birthday boy raises €925 for Bethany House 

MAYOR of Carlow Paul Doogue has raised €925 for Friends of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland (ASI) Carlow through a GoFundMe fundraiser organised in place of birthday gifts.

The funds will be used to purchase a keyboard stand, a small sound system and a microphone for use by the organisation.

Cllr Doogue highlighted that over 600 people are living with dementia in Co Carlow, directly affecting more than 2,000 family members and carers across the county.

“Dementia is one of the fastest growing health and social challenges in Ireland, with approximately 30 cases being diagnosed every day,” he said.

He recently made the presentation to Tara Rice, community engagement officer for the south-east region. Tara runs a monthly dementia social club in Bethany House on the last Friday of each month.

He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his fundraiser, noting that “small, practical actions at local level play an important role in building a dementia friendly Carlow, where people living with dementia, their families and carers feel welcomed, supported and valued.” However, cllr Doogue also raised concerns about Bethany House only being able to open three days a week due to lack of funding.

“It’s a shame that Bethany House can only open three days a week because of lack of funding – it’s closed for the other two days,” he said. “More needs to be done for the most vulnerable people in our society and I’m asking that TDs and ministers do their best to get funding.”