DEBRA Ireland was delighted to be the chosen charity for the 2006 and 2007 “Tour de Force” cycle which took place in Ireland and Spain respectively. This amazing group of 50 cyclists from the Garda Síochana, run an annual sponsored cycle event in aid of charity. Both years this cycle has been a fantastic success in every way, creating an amazing amount of awareness and funds for the charity, and raising €60K in 2006 and a staggering €100K in 2007 for DEBRA Ireland. We would like to thank all our Sponsors and Supporters who made this event possible.

And to the Garda Síochana Tour de Force team – THANK YOU most sincerely for all your hard work and commitment. Your dedication has helped us tremendously in raising the awareness and profile of DEBRA Ireland.

To view further photos of the week itself log onto www.tourdeforcecycle.com

Jingle Bells 5KM Run 2007

Thank you to everyone who ‘Did it For DEBRA’ and took part on Sunday 2nd December in the Jingle Bells Run. We hope you all had great fun and enjoyed the day.

A special thank you goes to the Donore Harriers Athletics Club who kindly supported DEBRA Ireland by choosing us as the nominated charity.
Thank you once again for all your hard work and support -Jingle Bells Run 2007 pictures to follow shortly!

Celebrity Jigs'n'Reels

Gavin Ó’Fearraigh and Dearbhla Lennon were crowned the winners of RTE's Celebrity Jigs‘n’Reels last May, raising almost €40,000 in aid of DEBRA Ireland. The pair won the heart of the nation as they secured their victory and we cannot thank them enough for their exceptional contribution to the cause and for working so tirelessly to raise funds and awareness on our behalf.

We would also like to thank everyone at Mind The Gap Produtions for their kindness and support each week and of course, to everyone who texted in and made this possible. To view our Press Release please click here.

Camino Walk

Brothers, Tom, Padraig and Liam Gleeson completed an incredible feat for DEBRA Ireland. The trio set off in June to commence an exciting journey crossing the Pyrenees from France to Spain. The endeavour saw them walk 900km in 30 days and raise over €21,000 for DEBRA Ireland along the way. If you would like a summary of their progress, please click here. If you would like to make a contribution to this walk, please contact Anna by email or call 01 6785044.

The Vintage Car Show

DEBRA Ireland was proud to be the headline beneficiary charity of the 16th Irish Classic & Vintage Motor Show, which took place on Sunday the 8th July in Terenure College. The show boasted over 1,000 Classic and vintage cars, including Motorbikes, Commercial & Military vehicles, American Cars, as well as Kit and Custom cars. The day was an outstanding success and we would like to thank all those who came down and shared in an extremely enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

The event was organised by the Irish Jaguar & Daimler Club and thanks to their tremendous efforts, raised a huge amount for DEBRA Ireland.

Celebrity Jigs'n'Reels

Gavin Ó’Fearraigh and Dearbhla Lennon have danced their way to being crowned the winners of RTE's Celebrity Jigs‘n’Reels in aid of DEBRA Ireland. Gavin from Gweedore, Co. Donegal, who plays barman Conall in Ros na Rún, stunned the judges with his dancing skills and secured the public's vote throughout the eight weeks of the show. Speaking after his victory, Gavin said: "We can't believe we won, this is absolutely fantastic for both us, our families and most importantly the charity. This is what it is all about, raising as much money for charity as possible."

DEBRA Ireland would like to take this opportunity to thank both Gavin and Dearbhla for their exceptional contribution to the cause and for working so vigorously and tirelessly to raise funds and awareness on our behalf.

DEBRA Ireland would like to say a huge congratulations to Sean Compton, Paul Butler and Paul Elliott for taking part in this year's Wicklow 200. The event, an annual cycle which took place on the 10th June and covered 200km of beautiful countryside in Co. Wicklow, was extremely challenging. Featuring many climbs, including a total ascent to over 2000 metres, the Wicklow Challenge should not be taken lightly. There were many tough and testing terrains throughout the day including a climb up to Sally Gap, the Wicklow Gap, and Slieve Maan.

If you would like to support the DEBRA Ireland Wicklow 200 team please email debrawicklow200@gmail.com for details.

Rachel Barker's Race Night

We would like to thank and congratulate Rachel Barker who put together a fantastic race night in the Quality Hotel Dublin City on 26th April 2007 in aid of DEBRA Ireland. The night itself was full of excitement, some won more than others but everyone went home smiling. Thanks to the huge amount of support from sponsors and attendees the night was a huge success and raised over €10,000. We would like to thank the Quality Hotel and O2 for supporting Rachel with her efforts. We would especially like to thank Rachel for all her hard work and dedication and for making the night such a success.

Wicklow 200 Online Auction

www.racingpigeon.ie hosted its first online auction this April and donated all proceeds towards sponsoring the DEBRA Ireland Wicklow 200 team.

15 Young Birds of top quality breeding were put up for sale from the Top Fanciers of the Irish South Road Fed, The East Coast Fed and The Munster Fed. The endeavour proved to be a huge success, raising a stunning €2,500 !

Racing Pigeon and DEBRA Ireland would like to thank everyone who contributed to this sale, notably Foundation Pairs, National Winners, Kings Cup Winners, Fed Winners, Open Winners, and of course all of those who bid.

A Place in Our Hearts

On the 16th December 2006, DEBRA Ireland teamed up with the Melody School of Music to launch a one-off benefit CD in both the Merrion Shopping Centre and the Omni Park Shopping Centre.

Festive shoppers were entertained with the melodious singing of children from the Melody School of Music and had the opportunity to purchase the CD and make a donation to DEBRA. The highlight of the day featured the special appearance of Ray Shah, who accepted a generous €500 donation from the Omni Park Shopping Centre on DEBRA Ireland’s behalf.

We would like to thank all those who participated in the launch for making it such a success. Most especially to Paul Heffernan, Ray Shay, Eilish Brangan and all our singers and volunteers on the day. Click here if you would like to purchase a copy of the CD for €10 or call Anna at the DEBRA office on 01 678 5044.

Limerick Fashion Show

On Thursday the 23rd November Fiona Doyle hosted an exclusive fashion show in aid of DEBRA Ireland in the South Court Hotel, Limerick. DEBRA Ireland would like to send our sincere thanks to all who participated in the Fashion Show, notably Fiona Doyle who spent so much time organising the event.

To our sponsors, Harris Bar, Pro Golf, San Lorenzo Restaurant, Tony&Guy, Martins Murphy Solicitors, Jack and Jones, The White House Bar, Analogue and Compas Group thank you for your support.
If any supporter would like to receive any of the photos on the night please contact Niamh on 01 6785044 or email Niamh

Dublin Port Tunnel Run

On Sunday, 10th of December Dublin was witness to one of the most unique events to take place in Ireland, The Dublin Port Tunnel Run. This was the one and only time the Tunnel would be available as a charity run.

The day, although rainy and windy, did not stop the thousands of runners who were looking forward to this once off event. Crowds packed the front area of the tunnel, runners all rearing to go. The race kicked off at 11.00am starting at the East Wall near the Port area where the runners did the length of the north tunnel, emerging at Santry before returning through the south tunnel to the finish back at East Wall. The run was a total of 10k and although a struggle at times the participants battled through to finish the race.

We would like to thank all our supporters who ran this unique event for DEBRA Ireland. You deserve a huge pat on the back for what you have achieved and for the support you have given DEBRA Ireland. Thank You.

We would like to thank Jury’s Inn for their use of their conference room on the day of the event. We would also like to remind all our supporters to send in their sponsorship cards to the DEBRA Ireland office.

Dublin Mini Marathon

Hundreds of women have supported DEBRA Ireland in the Flora Dublin Women's Mini Marathon over the years. Read more about these events...