One of Ireland’s most beloved DJs, Jenny Greene, will headline a special concert to raise vital funds for Focus Ireland at Monroe’s Live on Saturday, November 30, at 9:30pm.
Tickets are now on sale for ‘Rock Against Homelessness In The West’, sponsored by Arachas Insurance. Greene will be joined on the night by Fergal D’Arcy and Irish trad band Shillelagh Law.
With a career spanning over 20 years, the talented Greene is known for her retro style, orchestral collaborations, and as a pioneer for female DJs in the industry. The popular radio presenter has been a mainstay on the national airwaves and is renowned for rousing sets of house, electro, and old school classics.
“For years many people felt so far removed from homelessness but now it could literally happen to any of us,” she says.
The show also features MC Laura Fox, 2FM radio presenter and host of Ireland’s Fittest Family: “The fact that there are 14,000 people living without a place to call home is so hard to fathom,” she says.
For Gary Monroe, proprietor of Monroe’s, the challenges faced by homeless charities need to be acknowledged: “It’s difficult to watch all these great homeless charities working so hard, but yet we still have huge issues,” he says. “We’re delighted to host this awareness night for Focus Ireland and Mediahuis who have put in massive work over the years for this cause.”
Society and the State must react to the deepening of the homelessness crisis, according to Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan: “Sadly the homelessness crisis has deepened again in the last year,” he says.
“A record total of 14,429 people are now homeless, including over 250 adults in Galway. Shockingly this total includes over 4,400 children; 114 families and 225 children are currently homeless in the West region which includes Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
“Thousands of kids have just recently started a new school year coming from emergency accommodation such as hotels and family hubs.
“As a society we must demand that much more is done to protect children whose childhoods are being stolen one day at a time. We are working hard with the State to support these children but what they need is a home.”
Pat continued, “We cannot thank Mediahuis Ireland enough for this incredible support. I would also like to really thank the sponsor of this amazing event, Arachas Insurance. Monroe’s is such a great venue, and they have given us great support for this event which is very much appreciated.”
Peter Vandermeersch, CEO of Mediahuis Ireland who put on the Rock Against Homelessness concerts every year with journalist Barry Egan, said: “Having a home is a human right for every person. We only will stop our support when every man, woman and child in this wonderful country has a home.”
Joey Wynne, of the sponsors Arachas Insurance, said: “Knowing Galway well, I’m acutely aware of the homelessness challenge in Galway city and county and keen to support the local Focus Ireland team here, as much as we can.”
Tickets to Rock Against Homelessness In The West at Monroe’s Live on Saturday, November 30, cost €24 from www.monroes.ie
