Sleeping Out To Help Out

The champs… FRI15DEC23

t was an almost comically busy night in Greystones last night…

O’Doherty at The Whale

Not only did the Carmelite Church in Delgany open its doors for the first time in five years, but there was also Phil Coulter at St Patrick’s Church, David O’Doherty at The Whale, and an all-night, all-star Tiglin sleepout at the harbour.

Coulter at St Patrick’s

It was almost enough to make a handsome and debonair young journalist about town sit back and relapse.

For all the star wattage lighting up the town though, the big one was the Tiglin community sleepout to raise money – and awareness – for the homeless.

As Tiglin stated, if half of Greystones’ population were made homeless in the morning, this still would still not represent the 13,179 sleeping rough in Ireland.

Reflecting on President Higgins’ words about dignity and participation, event sponsor Ross McParland stated, ”A healthy and vibrant town such as Greystones is founded upon participation. This event once again calls upon this community to remember those who are homeless by supporting this Christmas sleepout event. ”

Having started the night at 7pm with music from the likes of the Unity Gospel Choir, Cormac Breathnach and Paddy and Saoirse Casey, the night was one for sharing stories, hot chocolate and sleeping bags, with the hearty and hardy staying in the plaza marquee until 6am this morning.

“Last night’s community sleepout was a great success,” Tiglin CEO Phil Thompson tells us. “With that brilliant line up of music topped off by the incredible Paddy Casey, the atmosphere was electric, and the night was a real display of solitary and concern for the ever-rising homeless figures.

With funds raised still to be finalised, the current estimates are approximately €21,000.

“While this community event was well attended, sadly, too was Tiglin’s Lighthouse homeless cafe in Dublin on the same night,” continues Phil. “We had over 450 people come to the door looking for food. We had to turn some people away as we ran out of food and supplies.

“This has never happened to us in 15 years of service.”

The money raised by the Greystones community sleepout will go directly to Tiglin’s Lighthouse, and will help to continue this vital service.

“Thanks to all who made tonight happen.

“To the many sponsors, donors and musicians, and a big thanks to Greystones Tidy Towns for giving us the use of this marque.”

You can find out more about The Lighthouse here, and donate to the Greystones sleepout here.