People in Galway are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place this year on Friday, April 10.
Volunteers across the country will be selling purple roses to support fundraising in Dunnes Stores branches, shopping centres and other participating outlets, including:
- Dunnes Stores: Briarhill, Galway
- Dunnes Stores: Edward Square, Galway
- Dunnes Stores: Knocknacarra, Galway
- Dunnes Stores: Terryland, Galway
- Dunnes Stores: Westside, Galway
- Shopping Centre: Galway Shopping Centre, Headford Rd, Galway
- Shopping Centre: Tuam Shopping Centre, Abbey Trinity Rd, Tuam
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that affects multiple systems, including breathing, digestion and reproduction.
Ireland has the highest rate of CF per capita in the world, with more than 1,400 people living with CF, 33 new cases diagnosed each year and many people living with the most severe forms.
There is no cure, and CF often becomes more severe over time. Thanks to multidisciplinary care and the introduction of modulator therapies, many people with CF are living well into adulthood.
However, as people age, new challenges can emerge, including CF‑related diabetes, osteoporosis and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Today, CFI is investing in research to better understand the emerging issues, and provides essential supports including:
- A dedicated information and support line offering guidance,reassuranceand advice
- Targeted financial assistance through a range of grants that help ease the cost of living with CF
- Monthly online peer‑support groups that connect people with CF and strengthen the community
Encouraging people in Galway to go out and support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day this year is Billy O’Toole from Galway.
“This year I am turning 40. That’s unreal. I have CF, diabetes, epilepsy, and borrowed lungs, but none of that stopped me from getting here.”
“I am so thankful to every researcher, every doctor, every nurse, every scientist, every fundraiser, every drug trial, every person who said, ‘We can do better’”.
“Now I am looking forward with so much hope, but as we age, there are still so many unknowns and so much more work to do.”
“So this 65 Roses Day, I am asking for your continued support for people with CF in Ireland – buy a rose, visit our stands in Dunnes Stores or donate online – we really appreciate it.”
‘Rewriting Tomorrow’ exhibition
As part of 65 Roses Day 2026, Billy and other CFI Ambassadors have penned letters to their future selves, imagining milestones and plans for futures that once felt out of reach.
Children living with CF also took part in a workshop with cartoonist Brendan Lonergan, creating self-portraits of themselves both now and as they envision their future selves.
These letters and artworks, which capture this hopeful shift through deeply personal reflections, form the foundation of a powerful new exhibition, ‘Rewriting Tomorrow’.
Taking place at The Copper House in Dublin city centre during 65 Roses Week 2026, the exhibition opens on Tuesday, April 7, and will run until Sunday, April 12.
CFI is calling on people from Galway to support its annual 65 Roses Day so that vital services for people living with CF can continue nationwide.
Public generosity enables the organisation to provide essential support to everyone who needs it, while also driving investment in hospital facilities, clinical teams and research.
CFI remains firmly committed to advancing care and improving outcomes for people with CF — and will continue this work until the day a cure is found.
People can support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day by purchasing a purple rose at Dunnes Stores and other participating outlets. For more information and to donate online, visit www.65roses.ie.
