The Barretstown Gang came to Dublin this week to launch a new website. There was no sign of its founder, Paul Newman, but the 500-acre camp at Ballymore Eustace in Co Kildare has been up and running since 1994.
The camp, which entertains seriously ill children both with and without their families throughout the year, "is a very compelling place", says John Sayers, general manager of GlaxoSmithKline, which is the charity's corporate sponsor. "I love it," he says.
It is hoped the website will increase awareness and funding, and help recruit volunteers, according to Miriam Nolan, of the Gang. Many at the lunch in Eden Restaurant took note of the Barretstown Ball, on Friday, September 6th in the Four Seasons Hotel. There are just three tables left, says Paul Kelly, a Californian who is the Barretstown Gang's director of development.
James Hunt from Drumcliffe in Co Sligo is another member of the crew.
The lunch was also an occasion to promote Lucozade, which is made by GlaxoSmithKline. An Irish-style Lara Croft was spotted sweeping through Temple Bar's Meeting House Square. The gun totin', black-booted heroine turned out to be Assets model Ruth Griffen.
Everyone was encouraged to "go a bit Lara", including Fiona Hayes, Paula Cleery and Linda Moloney, who are "three singletons" from Kilmallock, Co Limerick. That's JP McManus country, they explained helpfully.
The Barretstown website is at www.barretstown.org