Blooming Laois flowers near Portlaoise raise huge sum for charity

The sun shone, the rain lashed, the skies greyed over, but the mood and tempo at the three-day Heath House Pick Your Own Sunflower Fund Raiser, refused to be dampened earlier this year.

Roisin O’Connell Hussey is driving force behind the now annual event near Portlaoise which raised a huge sum for charity.

“Despite it all, over 700 people from babes in kangaroo pouches and strollers, to grandparents in golf cars, made it to the Heath over the last two weekends in August, to enjoy the burst of sunshine growing in the field of gold outside The Heath House,” she says.

Roisin outlined how it would help.

“Nearly €7,500  was raised over the three days, to be divided between Laois Offaly Families for Autism and The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, aided on the ground by the voluntary efforts of LOFFA members, The Alzheimer’s Society volunteers, local Ukrainian refugees and the extended O’Connell Hussey family,” she said.

Roisin thanked all who also helped the event in the shape of the many prizes donated by local businesses - over 34 generous prizes in all (Curragh Festival tickets, EP Tour de Picnic Tickets, National Ploughing Champion tickets, Egan’s Fine Whiskeys, Ballykilcavan beers…. to name but a few).

“It really helped boost the fundraising effort, which the inclement weather could easily have scuppered.

“Many thanks to all who supported though donations, prizes or people power. Their efforts will be much appreciated by all the charity recipients,” she said.

In PICTURES: Trad still blooms in 50th year at the heights of Laois

The first day of the sale was held during Heritage Week events in Laois.