NIALL’S BEARD SHAVED OFF FOR CHARITY
The hair raising decision to fundraise for the Louth Palliative Care Unit based in Drogheda came to a swift and rather cold conclusion on Saturday afternoon when local man Niall O’Hanrahan from Blakely Close had three months beard growth removed outside his local bar.
Niall, who has already lost him mum Breda and mother-in-law Angela Gregory to cancer, had to isolate himself from his uncle Kevin Dullaghan who died recently and could not attend his funeral which took place at the start of the national lockdown for COVID-19. He himself was taken ill showing all the symptoms, but after a 12 day period made a full recovery.
It was from this he decided that the Louth Palliative Care unit in Drogheda (many of which are volunteers) deserved his help and vowed to grow his beard and fundraise until the lockdown was over.
Three months later and with donations flowing in from all over the world, along with a huge following locally and nationally, Niall made his way to the door of his local The Avenue Inn on Saturday and with the help of his niece, hair stylist Rachel Keenan from Knockbridge, he had his beard removed and it looks like his final figure raised should be in the region of €1,800.
Niall told the Argus ‘We are going through a very difficult time with COVID-19, so many people have lost their lives, however we cannot forget those affected by cancer. I did the shave to raise money for Louth Palliative Care unit who helped us during our bereavements over the past few years.’
Niall who works for Digital Screen Displays said ‘I did the shave outside my local pub because Pat Brady who runs the establishment and owners Declan and Joanne Brady were very helpful to me during the 3 months fundraising. I would like to thank everyone locally, nationally and from all round the world who donated to this very worthy cause.’
Nail is no stranger to fundraising and over the years has raised somewhere near €36,000 for various charities including Concern and Barretstown House. When asked how he felt after losing the beard he said “It’s cold in the breeze, but well worth it for all the great work the Palliative Care Unit do and I’d gladly do it again for them.’
Picture Ken Finegan/Newspics