GoFundMe recognises Ireland as world's most generous country for seventh consecutive year

Some €50m was raised this year across 28,000 fundraisers nationwide, with the top campaign 'Fund for Féile' raising over €720,000 for West Cork youngster Féile O'Sullivan. File photo: Garnish GAA

Ireland has been named the world's most generous country for the seventh year in a row, according to fundraising website GoFundMe. 

Some €50m was raised this year across 28,000 fundraisers nationwide, with the top campaign 'Fund for Féile' raising over €720,000 for West Cork youngster Féile O'Sullivan. The 13-year-old Cork girl suffered a devastating farm accident, which resulted in a double leg amputation and months of critical care.

'Together for Fiadh' was placed number two on the top five campaigns which received the most support. Fiadh Ronan, aged 6, from Abbeydorney in Kerry, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma and received over €430,000 to access maintenance treatment in the US to reduce her risk of relapse. 

More than €200,000 was raised to support Ben Denning Galligan from Cavan after he was involved in a serious crash in a remote area of Western Australia. The 25-year-old sustained life-changing injuries, including the loss of his arm. 

'Let's Do it For Layla' saw the community raise over €200,000 to help support Layla Kelly, aged 12, from Clare, who has been fighting an extremely rare and aggressive cancer, Adrenocortical Carcinoma. 

'Hope for Rayne' raised over €200,000 to support Glasnevin girl Rayne Judge, who was diagnosed with Stage four Diffuse Midline Glioma — an aggressive, rare, and fast-growing cancerous brain tumour. The funds raised will help support her treatment, daily care, and potential therapy abroad.  

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One in 10 people in Ireland donated to GoFundMe campaigns, according to the data. People from Galway were marked as the most generous in Ireland. This was followed by Limerick, Cork, Waterford, and Dublin. 

Global CEO for GoFundMe, Tim Cadogan, said Ireland's "exceptional generosity continues to set a powerful example globally".

"Every donation, big or small, fuels hope and makes a real difference. What we see this year reflects a deep-rooted compassion that unites people across the country," he said.