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Ireland's largest gay bar sets up fundraising page, as Orlando victims remembered

People around the world have been helping in whatever way they can following a terrorist attack o...
Newstalk
Newstalk

10.58 14 Jun 2016


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Ireland's largest gay...

Ireland's largest gay bar sets up fundraising page, as Orlando victims remembered

Newstalk
Newstalk

10.58 14 Jun 2016


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People around the world have been helping in whatever way they can following a terrorist attack on a gay nightclub in Florida.

Vigils have been held in Dublin, London, New York, Washington, Los Angeles and several other cities.

People have also been lining up to donate blood to those affected.

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But now several gay bars are seeking funds to help the 49 victims and their families.

The Pulse nightclub itself has raised almost US$3m (€2.6m) in funds so far on their GoFundMe page.

On it, they say: "We are beyond moved by the support from all corners of the world and all walks of life".

"From average Americans, large corporations, celebrities, musicians, artists, and political figures, over 65,000 donations have been made".

They also say that GoFundMe themselves have contributed US$100,000 (€89,077) towards the campaign.

While the largest gay bar in Ireland, The George, has also set up a page to raise funds for all those affected.

"Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. This event strikes close to home as a sister gay bar, we know that LGBT bars around the world provide a safe space for the members of our community and we will not let this senseless act of violence take that away from us and the community", the bar says.

"We will respond with love and support and show the world that hate and violence is never the answer."

"We want to help in any way that we can, so we hope to raise as much money as possible to help the victims and their families with their medical and funeral bills."

Ireland remembers

The Tricolour is flying at half mast on Government Buildings and Leinster House in Dublin in memory of the victims of the shooting.

While the flag is also flying at half mast over Garda Headquarters in support of those who died.

Hundreds of people attended a vigil in Dublin city centre last night, where the names of the victims were read out.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has written to US President Barack Obama in the wake of the terror attack.

He told Mr Obama: "On behalf of the people and Government of Ireland, I offer our sincere condolences on the shocking loss of life in Orlando."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the United States, the community in Orlando and the LGBT community, and above all with the families and loved ones of those so senselessly killed and injured."

"Once again we have witnessed the horror of young people being attacked as they enjoy themselves in their own community. Words cannot capture the shock and revulsion felt in Ireland, and around the world, at this outrage."

"Ireland stands with the United States in this time of immeasurable grief."

While President Michael D Higgins has said: "Our thoughts are with the people of Florida and the community in Orlando and Orange County at this difficult time."

"the loss of innocent life on such a horrendous scale is truly shocking and challenges us all."

"I have spoken to Ambassador O'Malley and personally conveyed my deepest sympathy and our nation's solidarity with the people of the United States at this time," he added.

And last night, Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland was lit in the colours of the rainbow flag and US flag as a mark of solidarity.

Image: Facebook/Belfast City Council

Books of condolence have also been opened at Dublin's Mansion House, Cork City Hall and Belfast City Hall - while an online book of condolence has been opened by Limerick city and county councils.



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