Stars chip in fast food support for Childline

CUSTOMERS in the fast food queue did a double take at lunchtime yesterday.

“That looks like Keith Duffy,” a girl said loud enough to be heard, quickly realising her fellow diner was the man himself.

Keith and fellow stage stars Deirdre O’Kane and Pauline McLynn had nipped in to support Abrakebabra’s second annual fundraising day for Childline.

The three actors are rehearsing Fiona Looney’s debut play, Dandelion, which opens in the Olympia next week. The brand new Abrakebabra outlet on Dame Street is just doors away from the theatre.

Deirdre O’Kane was determined she’d have a chicken wrap.

Keith had a hamburger and a kebab - then joined the queue for another hamburger. He’s a big lad, and rehearsing is such hungry work.

Pauline, ever a cheerful sort, was happy there were chips on the table. She also had a chicken wrap.

There were no free lunches on the menu - not even for the boss.

Abrakebabra owner Graeme Beere came in with his wife Margaret and ordered their meal. “That will be €9.50,” staff told him.

Every cent spent in all 60 Abrakebabra outlets nationwide between midday and 7pm yesterday goes directly to the ISPCC charity. It’s hoped to raise €100,000, double the amount donated during last year’s inaugural event.

Childline is Ireland’s only telephone listening and support service for children. In 2004 it received more than 179,000 calls.

Over the next five years the ISPCC plans to invest thousands of euro to develop new answering stations and new technologies such as text messaging and web-based child support services.