News & Events

Jack and Jill Up the Hill Fun Run

The 2009 Jack and Jill Up the Hill  run took place in Kenmare on Saturday April 18th 2009 at 3pm.

There was a huge turnout from all competitors walking and running, young and old. To all of you who supported the event and equally to all of the huge number of volunteers and other contributors we would like to extend a large “thank you”.

The run which has now become an annual event, is a 10-kilometre charity run or walk in the surroundings of Kenmare town.

The date for the 2010 run has been set as the 24th April 2010. We will be posting more details on our website as they become available.

Comments:

(0)

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation recently benefited from  ‘An Evening With The Greatest’ the one and only Muhammad Ali in Dublin , an opportunity that was created for Jack and Jill by Alex Kinne-Coyle age 4 from Bray who is a Jack & Jill child and whose father Declan Coyle made the introduction to Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech earlier this year.  We would like to say a big thank you to Alex and Declan and of course to Dr. Lyons and his team at Alltech for making this possible.
Our CEO Jonathan Irwin said ‘It warms my heart to see how children like Alex and my own son Jack, who may not walk and talk like the rest of us, have such a powerful impact on the people they meet throughout their lives through their own unique charisma and charm.’
“I was lucky enough to attend Muhammad Ali’s fight with Al ‘Blue’ Lewis in Croke Park in 1972 and I’ve been a lifelong fan of the boxer, the man and the legend who continues to be an inspiration to us all.  Thank you Muhammad Ali for taking time out to support Jack & Jill and the 300 families we support today.  The fight goes on.”

Comments:

(0)

On the 8th of October 2009 Aria Boutique from Naas and Saggart held their Annual Fashion Show in the Village at Lyons Estate.
The Stunning Event was hosted by Rosanna Davidson with leading Stylist, Cathy O’Connor as the compere. The Catwalk was alive with vibrant fashions, expertly modeled by girls from Assets Modeling Agency.
Our Thanks to Karolynn and her team at Aria for organizing such a fantastic night and for their continued support of Jack and Jill.

Comments:

(0)

Mobile marathon from Galway to Dublin

7th, 8th and 9th August

On the Weekend of the 7th, 8th and 9th of August, 39 year old John O’Regan from  Leixlip, Co. Kildare ran a Marathon Relay from Galway to Dublin with the help of Anthony Lee from Clane in Co. Kildare, Padraic Doherty from Maynooth Co. Kildare, and Seamus O’Dowd from Clogherhead in Louth. The aim was to collect Mobile phones along the way and raise awareness for Jack and Jill. A Van load of phones were collected and the the event raised the profile of Jack and Jill, with the marathon being covered in both the national and local media. Our thanks to John and his team and also to the Gala Stores along the route who supported the runners.

.

Comments:

(1)

2009 Golf Classic at Powerscourt

After many happy years at Rathsallagh under the wing of the remarkable O’Flynn family the Foundation changed this years venue to Powerscourt Golf Club and the catering and residence to the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Times being what they are, we played 20 teams rather than the usual 28 and ran the evening without an auction.

An innovation we introduced, perhaps the first Charity to do so was to include Junior(under 18 ) teams in recognition of  the explosion in the young involvement in Golf.

Despite the weather forecast the day became stunning and set off the mountain scenery magnificently. Great golf followed by a great evening.

The result was triumph for youth. Phonsie Irwin’s team of Peter McCreevey, David Whelan and Nathan Geraghty trouncing their elders with the points. David Whelan’s mum was one of Jack Irwin’s nurses while Phonsie is his brother.

The dinner was the Ritz Carlton at its best and The Rat Pack had everyone dancing until 2 a.m. Holes and strokes were exaggerated until after 3 in McGills bar in the hotel

We would like to thank our sponsors on the day who were The Curragh Racecourse, Tipperary Water, BPI Telecom, Powerscourt Golf Club and Lily O’Brien’s chocolate.

The results of the Jack and Jill Classic 2009 were

1st Place - Phonsie Irwin’s Junior Team, with a score of 94. Team members were Phonsie Irwin, Peter McCreevy, David Whelan and Nathan Geraghty

2nd Place - Mark Kavanagh’s Hardwicke Team, with a score of 91. Team members were Maurice Tunney, John Sheridan, Mark Buckley, and Damien Byrne

3rd Place - Owen McManus Martinstown Stud Team witha score of 90. Team members were Al McSweeney, Owen McManus, Noel Nash, and Tom Nash.

4th Place - Jim Kirby’s Martinstown Stud team with a score of 90 also. Team members were Jim Kirby, Con Kirby, Murt Duggan and Mick Fitzpatrick.

Nearest the Pin (Ladies) was Mary Burnell

Nearest the Pin (Men) was David Barrett

Longest Drive (Ladies) was Bernie Cooney

Longest Drive (Mens) was Steven Healy

Comments:

(0)

Annual Family Day 2009

On the 13th June Jack and Jill held it’s Annual Family Day in Kilmainham Hospital. The sun shone brightly and a fabulous day was had by all, as can be seen in the pictures below . Our thanks to Mary Hanafin, The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, who took time out of her busy schedule to attend and meet our families. Also a big thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors without whom this day could not go ahead and of course thanks to the Taoiseach Brian Cowen who allowed us use of the venue for the day.

To see the full range of photos from Family day or to purchase photos from family day click here

Comments:

(1)

Sounds of Motown

Our Sincere thanks to everyone who supported the “Motown Night” in aid of Jack and Jill which raised a wonderful €2,200. Special Thanks goes to Paul Davis who organised this event and made it the wonderful success it was! Everyone danced the night away until the early hours and according to Paul “went home with a smile on their faces”.

Comments:

(0)

Life Cycle 2009

On Saturday23rd May 2009, the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club hosted an event in aid of Jack and Jill which included a  20 km cycle, 10 km run, and 5km walk all of which started simultaneously. This was be followed by an Evening Function with a BBQ and music. 

A large amount of money in excess of €40,00 (final figure to be confirmed )was raised for Jack and Jill.
Our Thanks to all the Lifecycle 2009 committee, in particular, John, Paul, Maurice and Barry.

You can access more information on the event at www.lifecycle2009.com

Comments:

(0)

Sams Lunch in the Four Seasons Hotel

Friday 8th May 2009

Baby Sam was guest of honour at his own lunch in aid of Jack and Jill in May 2008. Sadly the little man passed away some five weeks later. His parents were determined to continue his fundraising work and the now annual, Sam’s Lunch was held in the the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin on the 8th May 2009. Over 150 people attended the event with famous guests such as Bertie Ahern and Brendan Grace

A fabulous afternoon was had by all with good food, wine and entertainment. Our thanks to Jo Synott and John Nolan (Sam’s Parents) who did a fantastic job organising the event.

Comments:

(0)

English Channel Swim

Congratulations to 26 year old UCC student Lisa Cummins who on the September 20th 2009  became the 1st Irish person to swim from England to France and back again.

The swim was over 70km long and took 35 hours and 36 mins to complete. She raised money for three different charities by doing this swim, one of which is the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

Our Thanks to Lisa for supporting Jack and Jill and to all those who sponsored her.

You can learn more about Lisa’s adventure on her website www.arockieswim.com

Comments:

(0)