The National Firefighters Committee hopes to have raised €250,000 for the victims and families of firemen killed in the September 11th attacks by the time its appeal closes on Sunday.
The Irish firefighters set up the memorial fund a few weeks after the World Trade Centre attacks. It is estimated that 324 firefighters died that day.
Mr Brian Murray, chairman of the National Firefighters Committee, said the group had invited representatives of the New York Fire Department to Ireland in April. They will attend the soccer match between Ireland and the US in Lansdowne Road on April 17th and will be presented with the memorial fund at the match.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, met the committee yesterday and congratulated it on its strong support for its US colleagues.
Meanwhile, the fund-raising will resume in July when up to 15 firefighters will attempt to climb Ireland's four highest peaks in 24 hours on July 4th. The funds will be used to bring the relatives of the victims here for a holiday.
