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The Easter Chick Ladies started their knitting journey over 20 years ago when Ann Carthy turned her passion for knitting into a massive fundraising drive – culminating in charitable donations of almost €500,000 throughout the years.
Initially the group raised funds of €250,000 for the National Children’s Hospital at Tallaght and in 2019 partnered with Tallaght University Hospital Foundation (TUHF). The Easter Chick Ladies then turned their focus to Age-Related Healthcare and Stroke Services within Tallaght University Hospital. Under Ann’s leadership, teams of knitters from right across South County Dublin have since raised an additional €167,000.
Dr. Dan Ryan, Consultant Geriatrician/Stroke Physician at TUH, praised the exceptional fundraising efforts of the group. He said: "In recent years the Easter Chick Ladies have made an invaluable contribution to Age Related Health, helping to purchase a mobile lifting chair to assist vulnerable older patient, multiple 24-hour blood pressure monitors, reorientation clocks for inpatients. Most recently they have contributed to the development of an age-related website to help those in the community understand our expanding services and access them. On behalf of the older vulnerable people they have helped we would like to extend our sincere thanks".
Throughout the years, with the support of dedicated staff at Tallaght University Hospital, many groups and organisations have given their time and skills to help the cause, including Lucan Library Knitters, Springfield Crochet Knitters, Stitched Together from Ballyroan Library and PM Group. These organisations have also been supported by many more wonderful women working behind the scenes, knitting, and crocheting year-round to supply the biannual stalls alongside the core group of leaders including Liz McMahon, Pauline Scully, Mairead O’Rourke, Tina O’Toole and Noreen McMahon. The team has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the hospital and in 2024 was awarded the Sergeant Andrew Callanan Community Award at the Tallaght Person of the Year awards in recognition of their hard work.
Kelly Crowley, Head of Development TUHF, said: “Ann, and each of these extraordinary women, possess a mix of skills that makes this initiative so successful. We are extremely grateful for the impact their support and ongoing commitment has made to Aged Related Healthcare. We look forward to helping them continue their fundraising legacy in the coming years.”
The Easter Chick Ladies will return to Tallaght University Hospital shortly before Christmas 2025 to resume their charitable endeavours raising more vital funds for Age Related Healthcare. The group is currently seeking additional volunteers to help with knitting, crocheting, organisation, sales, customer service, administration, and fundraising.
Anyone who would like to volunteer with the Easter Chick Ladies or find out more about fundraising for TUHF can contact Emma by emailing info@tuhf.ie
