The Athy branch of the Organisation of National Ex-servicemen (O.N.E.) raised €200 in just an hour and a half with their coffee morning in Bradbury’s last Friday.
The fund-raising event organised by St Michael’s branch of ONE, was in aid of The Fuscia Appeal, known as the ‘Tears of God’, which raises money for accommodation for homeless veterans.
Ann Fennelly and Anne Nolan
“We’re 11 years working on it here in Athy, but the national organisation is 75 year at it,” said Kevin Carton, chair of the St Michael’s Branch.
He added: “The Athy Lions Club came on board for the morning in Bradbury’s, and cllr Brian Dooley came on board to help because he knows the family.
“Without Brian we’d probably be lost because he helps us every year. He’s a great bit of stuff.
“We raised €200 in just an hour and a half. The people outside do support us, and it’s greatly appreciated.
“I know it’s very hard to raise money, especially in Athy where there’s very little employment.
“Any support is gratefully received, because we’re trying to get a new office in town, oh, and all new members are welcome."
Antia Reid, Liz Mealey, Siobhan Conway and Brigid Flinter
In April, O.N.E. confirmed it was to build its seventh veteran’s home in Newbridge, pending the allocation of a site.
This is expected to be the O.N.E.’s seventh such home, with four already in existence (Dublin, Cobh, Athlone and Letterkenny), with two more on stream for Limerick and Cork, before the Newbridge home is to be built.
Rachel O Keeffe and Mary Birney
There are an estimated 20-24,000 ex-servicemen in Kildare, with upwards of 7,000 veterans in the Newbridge area itself.
