Clare’s Wish Foundation celebrates its ten years anniversary with a concert from Clare’s hero Red Hurley at Mount Saint Alphonsus Church (Redemptorists Limerick) on Saturday September 16.
Limerickman Kevin Clancy launched Clare’s Wish Foundation as a heartfelt tribute to his late sister Clare, who bravely faced Spina Bifida. Clare’s Wish Foundation stands as the sole Irish registered charity dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of adults with terminal conditions.
Since its inception, the organisation has fulfilled wishes for adults from all corners of the country. The esteemed patron of the charity is Red Hurley, a role he has held since the foundation’s establishment in 2013.
Reflecting on the origins of the foundation, Kevin remembers, “When she was a teenager, my sister Clare Clancy was a huge fan of Red Hurley and I remember so clearly a wish came true for Clare when she finally met her hero in Dundrum, Co. Tipperary in 1978.
“Clare couldn’t believe her luck when she got to meet the singer after one of his shows. Red sang for her and also gave her a signed copy of his album, which I still have to this day.
Clare’s medical condition meant she spent most of her time in her bedroom and the only thing she had was Red’s music and posters all over her wall.”
Tragically, Clare’s life was cut short in 1984 at the age of 24. In the years following her passing, Kevin maintained a connection with Red, ultimately sharing his vision in October 2013 to establish Clare’s Wish Foundation in her memory. Red Hurley embraced the role of the foundation’s primary patron, a position he has held steadfastly for the past decade.
“Red came to our launch night in 2013 and, together with Brendan Grace, took part in a special concert at the Lime Tree Theatre in Limerick in April 2014 which raised €10,500 for Clare’s Wish,”
Every year since Red has held an annual fundraiser concert in aid of Clare’s Wish Foundation but due to covid was postponed over the last few years.”
Clare’s Wish Foundation recently fulfilled a meaningful wish on the day of Limerick’s victorious All-Ireland Hurling Final. A Limerick lady and her family were granted the opportunity to watch the game from a Corporate Box at Croke Park.
“Additionally, we arranged for another Limerick resident in an Ennis Nursing home to enjoy a day at Dublin Zoo, travelling in style courtesy of Irish Diamond Limousines.”
As part of the foundation’s 10-year anniversary celebration, Red will host the “” at Mount Saint Alphonsus Church (Redemptorists Limerick) on Saturday September 16 at 8:15 pm. The event will feature special guests Eugene McCarthy, Karen Black, Aileen Pringle, and Limerick Soprano Lorraine Galvin. Tickets are priced at €25 and can be purchased at St Mount Alphonsus church shop or online at www.eventbrite.ie. Tickets will also be available at the church door on the night of the event.
For further details, you can reach out to Clare’s Wish Foundation at 061 201674 or email at clareswishfoundation@gmail.com.
