PRISONERS will return to the historic jail cells at Lifford Old Courthouse for the first time in 100 years as 13 well-known locals raise money for charity.
‘Jailbreak’ takes place in the Lifford Old Courthouse on Friday April 29 and the familiar faces will leave their families behind for one night and stay in one of the old jail cells at the courthouse to raise money for their chosen charities.
Participants include TV presenter Grainne Gallanagh, Highland Radio presenter John Breslin, boxer Jason Quigley, digital media guru April McManus, local singer songwriter Kenny Crawford, Donegal Woman editor Rachel McLaughlin, No Barriers founder Johnny Loughrey, sports manager Patsy McGonagle, Irish influencer Caoimhe Harkin, Donegal Coolest Place on the Planet host Erin McGinty and the Viking Dippers trio Paddy Browne, Bobby Roberts and Frank Power.
As part of Jailbreak, each participant will have to raise ‘bail money’ to escape the cells after a night locked up, and charities include Donegal Hospice, Cancer Care West, Alone Donegal, No Barriers Foundation, Breast Cancer Research, Asthma Society of Ireland, Little Angels School, Ohana Zero Suicide Training and Rocco’s Road To Recovery.
Gillian Graham is the manager of Lifford Old Courthouse and she says Jailbreak is a great way for local businesses, charities and organisations to raise funds for their groups, schools or clubs.
“Located in the heart of Lifford, the Old Courthouse has been used widely by the community and local groups over the years, with all income reinvested back in to improve our facilities and create additional employment.
“Our Jailbreak games have proven really popular with school groups, hens and stags, and other groups and we wanted to take it another step further with an overnight Jailbreak event that could be used as a novel way for charities and local organisations to fundraise.
“The upcoming event with the brave 13 will hopefully spread the word about what we’re doing and how other groups and organisations can book,” said Ms Graham.
Looking forward to the event Patrick McHugh, events manager at Lifford Old Courthouse said the group will take part in various games to earn treats and rewards for the night and extended his thanks to local sponsors for their ongoing support.
“We are really excited about the first ever Jailbreak event on April 29 and we cannot thank the participants enough for giving their time and support,” he explained.
“The group is raising money for some brilliant organisations and charities and I hope people can get behind them with their efforts. We’ll be releasing a series of videos online via our social media platforms, so be sure to check them out to find out more,” said Mr McHugh.
The Jailbreak project was approved by Government with support from the Dormant Accounts Fund. For more information on Lifford Old Courthouse or to find out details to host your own Jailbreak charity event visit liffordoldcourthouse.com or call 00353 74 91 41733.
You can donate at idonate.ie/jailbreak2022.
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