Athlone raises highest total ever for Daffodil Day 2025
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Athlone has raised its highest total ever during Daffodil Day 2025, which took place on March 28.
The generosity of the people of Athlone has been hailed by the Irish Cancer Society, as the town raised an outstanding €54,576 on the day.
The incredible amount is an increase of over €12,000 on the amount raised during Daffodil Day 2024.
"It's a very exceptional amount. This achievement is a testament to the spirit and solidarity of Athlone," said Sarah Valliere, Irish Cancer Society Community Fundraiser for Leinster North.
Generous donations were made by members of the public at collection points in local supermarkets and shopping centres, where volunteers sold Irish Cancer Society pins and various other merchandise.
"What contributed to the incredibly high amount raised this year was really the generosity of the people," Sarah said. "The Athlone Daffodil Day Committee noticed that people were giving bigger notes this year.
"Another factor was tea and coffee mornings, like the one organised by Liz Gilhooly. Liz raised the amazing sum of €13,500 with her event, which helps a lot."
Daffodil Day is the Irish Cancer Society's biggest annual fundraiser, and collects funding which goes towards their ground breaking cancer research, free counselling for those facing cancer diagnosis, and free services for families.
It also funds the charities night nursing programme, transportation for patients, and the Irish Cancer Society support line.
"The Irish Cancer Society only receives 5% of it's funding from the government, so the other 95% comes from fundraising events like Daffodil Day," Sarah said.
Statistics show that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
Events like Daffodil Day help the Irish Cancer Society to have a meaningful impact on cancer care, and cancer research.
The Irish Cancer Society extended their gratitude to the people of Athlone for their generous donations and support, which is only growing over the years.
For more information go to cancer.ie, or to receive support call their Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700.