Independent.ie is proud to present ‘Rock Against Homelessness In The West’ on November 30 at Monroe’s in Galway in aid of Focus Ireland. Sponsored by Arachas Insurance, the show is headlined by DJ Jenny Greene, a household name in Ireland who has played everywhere from the Electric Picnic to the 3 Arena. Jenny Greene said ‘we can’t escape the situation that is happening on our streets right now. You only have to walk for a matter of minutes to see the scale of homelessness. I live out on the outskirts of Dublin City and see it on a daily basis. There’s something seriously wrong with Irish society right now if people’s basic needs like shelter can’t be met,’ she said. ‘For years many people felt so far removed from homelessness but now it could literally happen to any of us,’ she opined.
The event at Galway city’s premier venue will also feature Fergal D’Arcy and Irish Trad band Shillelagh Law. The show also has a very special MC for the evening; 2FM radio presenter and host of Ireland’s Fittest Family, Laura Fox. ‘The homeless crisis is Ireland is so upsetting,’ she said ‘and to think that there are 14,000 people living without a place to call home is so hard to fathom. Every family deserves a home and no child should wake up in a hotel room, unless it’s their holidays. As we head into the winter months, my heart breaks for people living in doorways, on bridges, down alleys, they’re someone’s sister or brother, daughter or son or someone’s friend. Focus Ireland are doing their best to help end homelessness in Ireland and I’m so happy to be a small part of this amazing cause.’
Peter Vandermeersch, CEO of Mediahuis Ireland who put on the Rock Against Homelessness concerts every year with journalist Barry Egan, said, ‘Mediahuis, the biggest publisher of newspapers and websites on the Island of Ireland, is proud to support Focus Ireland and Rock Against Homelessness. Having a home is a human right for every person. We only will stop our support when every man, woman and child in this wonderful country has a home.’
Joey Wynne, of the sponsors Arachas Insurance, said: ‘As Ireland’s largest nationwide broker with 16 offices throughout the country, including Galway, Arachas is proud to sponsor this special concert for Rock Against Homelessness in Galway for the first time. Knowing Galway well, I’m acutely aware of the homelessness challenge in Galway city and county and keen to support the local Focus Ireland team here, as much as we can.’
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: ‘Sadly the homelessness crisis has deepened again in the last year as a record total of 14,429 people are now homeless including over 250 adults in Galway. Shockingly this total includes over 4,400 children. 114 families and 225 children are currently homeless in the West region which includes Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. Thousands of kids have just recently started a new school year coming from emergency accommodation such as hotels and family hubs. As a society we must demand that much more is done to protect children whose childhoods are being stolen one day at a time. We are working hard with the State to support these children but what they need is a home.’
Pat continued, ‘We cannot thank Mediahuis Ireland enough for this incredible support. I would also like to really thank the sponsor of this amazing event, Arachas Insurance. Monroe’s is such a great venue, and they have given us great support for this event which is very much appreciated.’
Gary Monroe, proprietor of Monroe’s in Galway, said ‘It’s difficult to watch all these great homeless charities working so hard, but yet we still have huge issues. We’re delighted to host this awareness night for Focus Ireland and Mediahuis who has put in massive work over the years for this cause.’
Rock Against Homelessness In The West: Doors open 9.30pm. Tickets €24 Euros + booking fee from Monroes