Two young Dublin brothers in a special video message recall how a meeting with Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan inspired them and why the Banshees of Inisherin star is their favourite for an award at the upcoming Oscars ceremony on Sunday night in LA.
With Oscar fever hitting the country no one is more excited than brothers Alex and Cal Moore from Cabra. Both met Keoghan at the launch of Barretstown’s Aladina studios last summer when the star was also unveiled as a Barretstown Ambassador, lending his support to the charity which helps children affected by serious illness.
Alex, the older of the two siblings was diagnoses with cancer in 2019 and underwent a year of gruelling treatment and operations at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin supported all the way by his loving parents Louise and Stephen and sibling Cal.
During Alex’s treatment, he spent time at Barretstown, the largest provider of therapeutic programmes in Ireland for children affected by serious illness. To date, it has helped over 85,000 children and family members to rebuild the confidence that a serious illness can take away.
A year on from that fateful trip to Barretstown, energetic Alex who has Hollywood aspirations of his own, is in flying spirits and enjoying getting back to normality. For this weekend, all eyes are on LA, with Alex and younger brother Cal getting the preparations underway for Sunday night’s show with a bucket of popcorn a must on the list.
Dee Ahearn, Chief Executive at Barretstown said,
“We are incredibly proud of Barry’s achievements and thrilled to have him as an ambassador for Barretstown. We remember with great joy and fondness his visit to Barretstown last March . The excitement and fun he brought to the children was incredible. Barry’s visit really went to the heart of what Barretstown is about- helping children rediscover their confidence, laughter and zest for life after going through life-changing illnesses.
I know, I speak for Alex and Cal and indeed all of our campers when I say we are all behind our wonderful Irish nominees, but, here at Barretstown we have a special place in our heart for Barry and are wishing him the very best at the upcoming ceremony. We look forward to welcoming him back to camp soon and hopefully with another award in tow.”
About Barretstown
Barretstown was founded by Hollywood actor Paul Newman in 1994 and modelled on his renowned Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut, USA. It serves children affected by serious illnesses – primarily cancer and serious blood diseases and their families. Barretstown’s mission is to rebuild the lives of these children and their families.
Barretstown believes that every child with a serious illness should enjoy their childhood. The services provided to all the children and families who come to Barretstown are entirely free of charge, so donations and fundraising efforts are vital for the charity to help more sick children experience the magic of Barretstown each year. Barretstown receives just 2% government funding and is supported by donations and the fundraising efforts of corporate supporters, individuals, and community groups. For more information see www.barretstown.org
Slán go fóill.
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