Bargains galore as Gary Kelly pop-up shop opens

FASHIONISTAS Paul Carroll and Michael McCarthy were on hand to officially cut the ribbon on the new Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre Pop-up Shop last Thursday.

Located on Dyer Street, the shop will remain open throughout the busy Christmas period, raising much needed funds for the local centre.

Paul and Michael, who run the popular fashion blog, Funky Fashion Frolics, said they were delighted to support such a worthy cause.

‘It’s just brilliant to be a part of this. Cancer touches everybody’s life and I suppose the centre itself is a beacon of hope for people,’ said Michael, who works in social care. ‘It gives families and individuals an opportunity to get support. Not just the person touched by cancer but it also gives their families an opportunity to get some counselling and advice.’

Paul, who runs House of Paul hair studio in Slane, added: ‘For someone as young as us to be approached to be part of something as established as this organisation, it’s a huge honour. We started our fashion blog just a year ago and we’ve almost 30,000 followers already so we hope that will help to raise awareness about the shop. We have family members of our own who have been touched by this and cancer is rife unfortunately so we’re honoured to put our name to something like this.’

The dapper couple also urged savvy shoppers looking for a bargain to check out the fantastic stock in the new shop.

‘ There’s a few great steals in there, we’ve seen a few great designer pieces at rock bottom prices so some local ladies are going to be very happy,’ said Michael.

Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre Manager Anne Tracey said: ‘ It was a huge success last year, on many fronts.’

She said for some people, the shop provided an easier way of accessing the centre’s services. ‘So many people came in to the shop and the voluteers in the shop were well able to address any concerns and advise them to go and see us and meet us,’ she explained. ‘It’s a much softer way, if you like, for people that are nervous who are not quite sure should they be or shouldn’t they or could they be.’

The amazing Dollhouse which takes pride of place in the window of the shop, was created by one local man and sponsored by another.

Mike and Paul from Funky Fashion Frolics were the guests of honour at the opening of the new pop up charity shop for the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. Anne Finnegan and Anne Tracey are also pictured at the Dyer Street premises.

Anne Tracey accepts a cheque from Cathedral Financial Consultants at the opening of the new pop up charity shop for the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. Presenting to Anne are John Gallagher, Barry Oliver, Larry Murphy and Paddy Keenan. Below: Paul...