Thousands of supporters across Dublin have been thanked for helping The 2 Johnnies raise an extraordinary €200,000 for sick children and their families following a fundraising campaign inspired by a deeply personal experience.
The donation was presented to Children’s Health Foundation ahead of the Tipperary duo’s sold-out concert in St Anne’s Park on June 6 and will help support children receiving treatment at Children’s Health Ireland hospitals, including CHI at Crumlin.
The fundraising effort was launched after Johnny Smacks and his wife Annie welcomed their first son, JJ, earlier this year.
Following a diagnosis of Gastroschisis, JJ spent several weeks receiving specialist care at CHI at Crumlin, where hospital staff provided treatment and support for the young family during a difficult period.
Determined to give something back, The 2 Johnnies set out to raise funds to help other children and families facing similar challenges.
Supporters responded in huge numbers.
The 2 Johnnies with Children’s Health Foundation, CEO Fionnuala O’Leary and CHF Head of Fundraising Jessica O’Leary.
The campaign centred on the sold-out Big Big Family Show at Dublin’s 3Arena on Easter Monday, where The 2 Johnnies were joined by Garron Noone and Marty Mone for a special family-friendly event.
Fans also supported the fundraiser by purchasing a limited-edition charity GAA jersey and taking part in a raffle, with all proceeds going towards Children’s Health Foundation.
People from across Dublin were among the thousands who backed the initiative, helping to generate funds that will now provide practical and emotional support for children and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The money raised will help fund rehabilitation equipment for children recovering from serious illness and injury, sensory spaces, therapeutic play programmes, family support services, paediatric research and specialist medical equipment.
Speaking after the presentation, Johnny Smacks paid tribute to both the hospital staff who cared for JJ and the supporters who helped make the fundraising campaign such a success.
“It’s amazing to be able to do this. Myself and Annie can’t thank the staff in CHI Crumlin enough. JJ received incredible care and support, and we wanted to give something back.
“To everyone who bought a ticket, donated, bought a jersey or supported the campaign in any way, thank you.
“This donation belongs to all of you as much as it does to us. Human kindness is alive and well.”
Children’s Health Foundation Chief Executive Fionnuala O’Leary said the donation would make a lasting difference to children and families across Ireland.
“We are incredibly grateful to The 2 Johnnies and their supporters for this phenomenal donation.
“The €200,000 raised will have a lasting impact on the lives of sick children and their families across Ireland.
“When a child is seriously ill, the impact is felt by the entire family.
“Donations like this help us fund supports that bring comfort, play, distraction and reassurance during what can be an incredibly difficult time.
“They help ensure children can simply be children, even while in hospital.
“The generosity shown by The 2 Johnnies and their fans has been truly extraordinary.
“This donation will help us continue funding projects and services that make a real and lasting difference for sick children and their families.”
For one Dublin hospital and countless families who rely on it, the fundraising success is a reminder of the power of community support and the difference people can make when they come together behind a cause close to their hearts.