The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland fund-raising campaign, launched in conjunction with Protestant Aid in May last year, had a remarkable response, with over €150,000 donated through the parish network.

Half the fund was expended on specific cases during 2010 and the balance was utilised in 2011.

Even before the Celtic Tiger era, there was an unacceptable level of poverty among the Protestant community so the situation was only getting worse in the current recession. The Appeal asked all parishioners to give whatever they could afford to help those who were struggling financially in these difficult times.