Enjoying my job, making worthy wishes come true

"When you hear directly from parents about what a wish meant to their child, it really hits home," says Ben O’Connell of Make-A-Wish Ireland

Rory McIlroy gifts a putter to young Michael Horgan, from Terenure, at the 2023 Irish Open Pro-Am at The K Club. Michael was a special guest of Rory's during the 9th hole thanks to Make-A-Wish. Picture: Cian O'Regan

Make-A-Wish Ireland has one powerful mission – to grant the wishes of children living with critical medical conditions, bringing hope and joy at a time when it matters most.

Since 1992, more than 3,500 wishes have been granted nationwide – including 229 in 2025 alone. Each one gives a child a break from hospital routines, treatment plans and medical uncertainty.

For a moment, they’re not defined by illness – they’re just children again. Make-A-Wish Ireland receives no Government funding and relies almost entirely on public support to continue granting these life-changing wishes.

For marketing executive Ben O’Connell, who joined in 2024 after working in marketing and fundraising roles in Vancouver, Canada, the move felt natural.

“I’ve always worked in digital marketing – campaigns, websites, social media – but I’ve been drawn to work that actually means something,” he says. “I did charity fundraising in Canada too, so coming home to Ireland and being able to use those skills at Make-A-Wish felt like the right step at the right time.”  

Ben O’Connell, marketing executive, with Make-A-Wish Ireland.

Ben says the variety of the role keeps things exciting – but the purpose keeps it grounded. “No two weeks are the same, which I love. One week it’s a campaign launch, the next it’s a big partnership or event. Everything connects back to the same thing – helping us grant more wishes. That’s what drives all of it.” 

 Partnerships that amplify hope 

 Make-A-Wish Ireland recently announced an Official Charity Partnership with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) for 2026. Inter-county players will help raise awareness of the charity’s work, following a successful 2025 partnership with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The partnership was launched at Croke Park by 16-year-old Zach Fitzsimons from Cavan, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in March 2025 and had to pause football with his U16 team during treatment.

Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA, said there is “nothing more heroic” than young people like Zach facing critical illness with such determination. The GPA will donate €10,000 to Make-A-Wish Ireland and provide the charity with a platform at its Legends’ Football Lunch later this year.

“For us, partnerships like this are huge,” Ben says. “When well-known GAA players get behind Make-A-Wish, it helps us reach families right across the country. Awareness leads to support, and support leads to more wishes.” 

 Make-A-Wish Ireland is also the Official Charity Partner of the Amgen Irish Open until 2027. The tournament returns from September 10th–13th at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Co Clare.

“The Amgen Irish Open has been incredible for us,” Ben says. “Wish children get to to meet and even play with stars like Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington, which is the stuff of dreams. And from a national awareness point of view, it puts Make-A-Wish in front of a huge audience. We have volunteers on the ground throughout the four days with lots of activations adding to the fanfare and enjoyment around the tournament.” 

 Soon after, fundraisers will take part in the Dublin City Marathon on October 25th in aid of the charity.

Clocking in at 11:11 

 Always looking for novel ways to stand out in the charity sector, last November, Make-A-Wish Ireland turned broken clocks across the country into symbols of hope by freezing them at 11:11 and inviting people to “Make-A-Wish and Grant One.” 

 Many people already make a wish when they see 11:11. The campaign encouraged them to take it a step further – and help grant a real wish for a child living with critical illness. Clerys clock on O’Connell Street was among the best-known landmarks to pause at 11:11, alongside other historic town clocks nationwide.

“It’s such a simple idea, but it resonates,” Ben says. “Everyone knows that 11:11 moment. We wanted to turn that split second into something meaningful. Instead of just making a wish for yourself, you could help grant one.” 

 Wish Week 2026 takes place from April 13th–17th, culminating in a dedicated Wish Day.

“In just over a month, we have our flagship fundraising event – Wish Week. It’s one of the biggest weeks in our calendar,” Ben says. “We partner with Newstalk and have wish families sharing their stories on air. When you hear directly from parents about what a wish meant to their child, it really hits home. Community groups and corporate partners nationwide host events from bucket collections to ‘Wear Blue Days’.

“Because we receive no Government funding, Wish Week is crucial to our mission. It’s what allows us to keep growing the number of wishes we can grant every year.” 

 The power of volunteers 

 Volunteers, around the country, are at the heart of Make-A-Wish Ireland. 

“We honestly couldn’t do it without them,” Ben says. “They meet families, help children shape their wishes, support events and spread the word. They bring the human touch that makes everything come together, assisting wish families with such care and empathy.” 

 Make-A-Wish Ireland is currently welcoming volunteer applications nationwide, with particular need in Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Sligo, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford.

As one wish mother shared: “The wish made him feel that somebody cared – that he matters and that his pain and distress had been recognised. Our family was splintered during his illness. It was lovely having this adventure together.”

 For Ben, that says it all: “A wish isn’t just a nice day out. It gives families a break, a boost and something positive to hold onto. Being part of that is a privilege.”