A NUMBER of kind-hearted Ireland rugby players took to the streets of Dublin on Sunday in a bid to raise money for the homeless.
Stars including Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw were out in force, singing Christmas carols in a flash-mob style fundraiser, looking for donations from passing members of the public.
#shouldertoshoulder with @FocusIreland and #sleepout19 at College Green in Dublin. pic.twitter.com/eK8t3zbcOS
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) December 22, 2019
Shoppers were left stunned after spotting their favourite rugby stars participating in the event, which looked to raise money for Focus Ireland, a homeless charity who operate out of Dublin.
In all, 45 rugby stars took time out of their busy schedules to take part in the event on Grafton Street, as they donned yellow t-shirts, shook buckets and posed for photos with fans.
The fundraiser went on for an hour between 6pm and 7pm on Sunday evening.
Ireland and Leinster fly-half Johnny Sexton spoke with the Irish Independent about the event, saying that while his singing abilities were questionable, the motive behind the initiate certainly wasn't.
"The response has been really good," he said.
"It's all positive, we're all spreading the Christmas cheer.
"It's been brilliant."
Tuning up to support @FocusIreland Christmas Choirs campaign. Please join us on Dublin’s Grafton Street and College Green between 6-7pm tonight. Please make a donation at https://t.co/RxWlggG5x3#FocusIreland #ShouldertoShoulder pic.twitter.com/h18gCjGiv8
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) December 22, 2019
The initiative is part of Focus Ireland's Christmas Choirs campaign, which has seen hundreds of people take part in similarly styled flash-mob performances at shopping centres, train stations and other public places around the country.
Since 1985, Focus Ireland has been providing services for people who are homeless and those who are at risk of homelessness. In 2018, the organisation supported a record 15,500 people and provided an additional 176 homes for those in need.
More information on Focus Ireland can be found here.
