Rock Against Homelessness
in aid of Focus Ireland
Headlined & curated by Lyra
Featuring Aimée, Toshin, Pastiche, Bobbi Arlo, Jack O’Rourke with MayKay, and Isaac Butler.
MC – Laura Whitmore
TICKETS
Friday 26th May at 3Olympia Theatre
Tickets €27.00 on sale now from Ticketmaster.ie (on line bookings are subject to 12.5% service charge.)
Proudly sponsored by Cadbury, Arachas Insurance and Hard Rock Cafe
The Sunday Independent’s Rock Against Homelessness in aid of Focus Ireland returns for its eighth year on May 26th in the 3Olympia Theatre with a stellar line-up of Irish talent. Headlined and curated by singer-songwriter Lyra, she will be joined by Aimée, Toshin, Pastiche, Bobbi Arlo, Isaac Butler, and Jack O’Rourke with MayKay. The MC on the night will be media sensation Laura Whitmore. The show promises to be one to remember, courtesy of some the most electrifying talent to emerge from Ireland in recent years, and all for a cause that is close to all our hearts.
Lyra will play a full set on the night which is bound to be a stormer. She said, “You would think in 2023 we would be able to provide people with a basic human right, the right to safety and security. Many a night I have walked through the streets seeing people sleeping in doorways trying to protect themselves from the harsh Irish weather and wondered where is the help? Thank God for charities like Focus Ireland as without them, I fear the worst. We as a nation need to be the voices for our fellow human beings who have lost everything.”
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan echoes this sentiment. “It is really shocking to see that homelessness has shot up 30% in the last year to a new record total of 11,632 and it’s shameful that nearly 3,500 of these are children,” he said. “Most lost their homes in the rental sector due to rocketing rents, landlords leaving the market, and the pressure due to the rising cost of living crisis. Events like Rock Against Homelessness – which has raised a much-needed €170,000 for Focus since the first concert in 2016 – help to bring hope to people while also raising funds so Focus Ireland can support people while they are homeless and help them to eventually secure a home. This major event also brings hope to people who are homeless as it shows them that people care about them and want to help.”
The Sunday Independent’s Rock Against Homelessness in aid of Focus Ireland is proudly sponsored by Cadbury, Arachas Insurance and Hard Rock Café.
For more information contact Emma Harney | emma@orchestrate.ie | 0872807019
QUOTES
Laura Whitmore: “This charity is close to my heart and I’m delighted to host this year’s live show in Dublin. Music is a powerful tool to bring people together and we hope we raise much needed support in tackling the ongoing homelessness crisis in Ireland.”
Lyra: “You would think in the year of 2023 we would be able to provide people with a basic human right, the right to safety and security. But unfortunately, this is not true. Many a night I have walked through the streets seeing people sleeping in doorways trying to protect themselves from the harsh Irish weather and wondered where is the help?”
“Thank god for charities like Focus Ireland as without them, I fear for the worst. People are dying on our streets because of homelessness so it’s time we all stood together and helped people get out of the situation they find themselves in often through no fault of their own. Our government need to do better and make a strategic plan that works, not increasing the price of living to make these situations worse. We as a nation need to be the voices for our fellow human beings who have lost everything. “
Tosin: “I am disappointed with the current state of homelessness in Ireland, especially as someone who has experienced first-hand the difficulties and struggles of being without a stable home. More needs to be done to address the root causes of homelessness and provide adequate support and resources to those who are currently homeless.”
Aimée: ” The homeless figures in Ireland right now are catastrophic. Where there’s an opportunity to affect positive change, we have to take it. Let’s raise some meaningful money for Focus Ireland, and do what we can to support them in their tireless work.”
Jack O’Rourke: “It’s so heart-breaking to see the doorways of Irish cities crowded with people sleeping and shivering on cold dawns. Each have their own stories. I’m proud to lend my voice for Focus Ireland.”
Pastiche: “Everybody deserves the right to have a home. Everybody deserves to feel warm and safe at night. The fact that this basic human right is seen as a luxury in Ireland is nothing short of a disgrace to our nation. With so many people without a home, and so many at risk at losing theirs, we need political and societal change. It’s thanks to the amazing work from charities like Focus Ireland that people have the opportunity to get back on their feet with dignity, care and pride. It should be everyone’s responsibility to hold the people in office accountable for their actions, and to help the amazing people of Focus Ireland on their mission to end Homelessness in Ireland.”
Bobbi Arlo: “My heart goes out to the homeless people of Ireland. The suffering they have to go through on a daily basis with little or no hope in sight is nothing short of tragic. I implore people to help if they are in a position to do so.”
Isaac Butler: “It is truly sad that so many of our people are without not just a home but basic shelter and a bed. it’s an existence no one should have to endure. “
Peter Vandermeersch, CEO Mediahuis: “In this beautiful, wonderful and rich country no man, no woman and no child should be without a home. For years now Mediahuis Ireland has been supporting the fight against homelessness. As the CEO of the company, I promise we will keep doing this until each and every person in Ireland has the home they deserve.”
Eoin Kellett, Managing Director, Mondelez Ireland: “Cadbury have had a long standing relationship with Focus Ireland and are once again are very proud main sponsors of Rock Against Homelessness 2023. We know the difference that this special night can make in both raising much needed funds for the charity, whilst also raising awareness of the work done by Focus Ireland. As a brand with a proud heritage in Irish communities, it is a privilege to be in a position to try and give something back to those in the community who need it most. We’d encourage everyone to demonstrate kindness and generosity by getting involved and supporting this very important cause.”
Celine Gilmer, Hard Rock Café in Temple Bar: “All the team at Hard Rock Café in Temple Bar are immensely proud to be associated with the Rock Against Homelessness concert in aid of Focus Ireland. The job that Focus Ireland do for the most vulnerable – the most in need – in Irish society is an incredible one. “
