Seven cousins from Armagh proved a little zest can go a long way after opening up a lemonade stand to raise money in memory of a dear uncle they didn’t have the chance to meet.
The heart-warming initiative – a lemonade stand at their Granny and Granda’s house in Armagh City – was opened for two days in August by cousins Finn and Conn O’Neill and Fiachra, Rion, Conan, John and Oran Darragh.
Ranging in age from 13 to seven, the boys all came together to develop an idea that originated with nine-year-old Conn, who decided they should all do something to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis in memory of their uncle, John.
John Darragh sadly passed away with Cystic Fibrosis in July 2009… years before any of his nephews were born. But mum of Finn and Conn, and sister of John, Aoife O’Neill said they had all been brought up hearing stories about him, “learning how fun, playful, and talented he was”.
The family have long been engaged in fundraising for the charity and have brought in over £45,000 in those years but, as Aoife explains, the kids had never been a part of those bigger fundraising efforts.
So, armed with supplies and signage they handmade themselves, the kids took up a prime spot at the end of their Granny and Granda’s drive… ready to make their mark on the family’s fundraising legacy.
Of their two day initiative, Aoife said: “It was more than just a lemonade stand. It was about having craic and chats with everyone who stopped by and making a positive impact for a cause that matters.
“This was their thing and their idea. When I say they led it, they completely led it. Granny helped them purchase the stuff but it was all the boys. The bin men even stopped when they were on their rounds.
“They had really good weather and everything in cooler boxes and that helped too. It was just that sort of small thing and it kind of grew legs. Even after day one, they had around £100 and I couldn’t believe it.
“Out of everything they did in the summer, I think this was the most memorable for them. The craic, stories, and chats meant this was a highlight of the boys’ summer. Loads of fun, laughter, and making memories.”
Together the super sweet seven raised a total of £280 for Cystic Fibrosis thanks to the very generous customers who attended their stand.
Said Aoife: “It was a fun project for them and one that they should be very proud of. Everyone who stopped by was so supportive and encouraging to the boys, which made it so much fun for them.
“Raising the money that they did was a big bonus – they were so excited when they knew the money raised was going towards research into Cystic Fibrosis. This was, for them, a small way into marking the memory of their Uncle John.
“They ask questions about him all the time and we are only too delighted to share his stories and antics – they are always so intrigued as to what he was like when he was their age!
“Grief is forever a pain that aches and never goes away, no matter how much time has passed. But knowing that John’s seven nephews love him just as much as we do is something that helps make our days that little brighter.”
