NEIL JORDAN, THE EDGE, UMA THURMAN AND OTHER IRISH AND INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITIES BRING MESSAGES OF HOPE TO THE NATION WITH ANGELS – BEACONS OF HOPE

Vodafone Ireland Foundation sponsors the most angelic exhibition of the year; Opening 15th February GALWAY CITY, in EYRE SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE.

From 15th February – 1st March, people in County Galway can take part in a unique art experience that will capture their hearts and imaginations: Angels – Beacons of Hope, sponsored by the Vodafone Ireland Foundation. The Edge, Uma Thurman, Padraig Harrington and Neil Jordan are but a few well-known names who have taken part in this wonderful exhibition, which aims to raise money for three charities through small donations from the Irish public.

Angels – Beacons of Hope is a showcase of more than 50 spectacular eight-foot tall angels individually designed by Irish and international musicians, celebrities and sports people. Community groups, schools and colleges also took part, including Hector and Tommy Tiernan, using their designs to show the nation their interpretation of hope.

The angels will be on display in Eyre Square Shopping Centre from 15th February – 1st March before they continue their nationwide tour. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of €5. In April 2010 the angels will return to Dublin where they will be auctioned in aid of three vital Irish charities: Gaisce – The President’s Award, Right to Sight and First Step Georgia.

Rocky Elsom, Australian rugby star, spoke of his angel, “The Last Angel projects the idea of angels only existing if you believe. As children we have a more free and easy outlook on life, but as adults we are conditioned by time and experiences. My angel is fading to black, a result of growth from child to adolescent to adulthood. It represents the theory that things can only be real if you believe in them”.

Nollaig Fahy, creator and coordinator of Angels – Beacons of Hope commented, “The amazing support and reactions we have received from those involved in this campaign has been inspiring. 2009 was a tough one for many and the beginning of the year is the perfect time for the people of Ireland to focus on the simple things in life: hope, family and friends. Our wish is to capture the hearts and minds of the Irish public with these beautiful, uplifting works of art and to try and change the national conversation from doom and gloom to one of hope”.

Laura Turkington, Vodafone Foundation & Corporate Responsibility Manager said, “Working with Angels – Beacons of Hope has been a truly inspiring and enlightening experience. Staff in Vodafone have embraced the project – you only have to look at the Vodafone Foundation Angels to get a sense of the excitement and hope that we feel. We hope that the collective efforts of all of these beautiful angels provide optimism for a better future.”

Unveiling one very special angel, Nollaig Fahy announced the arrival of the ‘GALWAY ANGEL’ to the tour. “The idea is to include as many Galway people as possible in the Angels – Beacons of Hope experience. This special angel will tour the country with the other angels and at the end of the tour the ‘GALWAY ANGEL’ will be gifted to the people of Galway where it will find a new permanent home. To join in the fun and become part of the exhibition people will be asked to donate €3 and write their name on the white ‘GALWAY ANGEL’ with the waterproof markers provided”.

For further information on Angels – Beacons of Hope please visit www.angelsbeaconsofhope.ie
 

Angels Beacons of Hope Brochure.pdf