Leinster players including Mike Ross, Jack McGrath and Jack Conan were in attendance at Movies at Dundrum last night and tackled the popcorn dispenser, dished out the fizzy drinks and ushered cinemagoers to their seats at a unique fundraising screening of The Jungle Book in aid of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

The players took over Movies at Dundrum for a special screening of the much anticipated remake of the Disney classic penned by Rudyard Kipling all in aid of charity partner, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Other players including Josh van der Flier, Colm O’Shea, James Tracy, Isaac Boss, Tadhg Furlong, Garry Ringrose, Mike McCarthy, Cathal Marsh, Tom Daly, Oisin Heffernan and David O’Connor did much more than the bare necessities meeting and greeting fans, doling out the goodies and ushering cinemagoers to their seats at this fun event.
 
The film, which brings the 1967 animated film to life, thanks to visual effects and voice talent from Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson played to a sold out theatre last night, which included the Leinster squad.
 
The ASI is one of Leinster Rugby’s charity partners this year and this fundraiser is just one of several events organised to raise both awareness and vital funds for people living with dementia and their family carers.
 
Interim Head of Fundraising with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Mairead Dillon said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the Leinster squad for taking the time to host this fantastic event. The cinemagoers were delighted to meet their sporting heroes and it really was a night to remember.  There are more than 48,000 people living with dementia in Ireland cared for by more than 50,000 carers. The beauty of events such as these is not only do they raise vital funding they also help to raise awareness of the condition.”
 
Leinster Rugby media manager and CSR Committee member, Marcus Ó Buachalla, said: “We were very excited to be involved in this unique fundraising event for The ASI. I know the lads enjoyed it and it was a perfect opportunity to raise vital funds to help those living with dementia in Ireland, while also having a good time. We are delighted to have The ASI as one of our charity partners this year and would like to thank all the Leinster supporters that came out last night to support this great event.”
 
For further information check out www.alzheimer.ie or check out www.leinsterrugby.ie/charitypartners

Did you know?

There are approximately 48,000 people living with dementia in Ireland.  This number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years; rising to 68,216 people by 2021 and to 132,000 people by 2041.

  • The majority of people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Most people living with dementia are cared for by a family member and there are approximately 50,000 dementia family carers in Ireland.
  • Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions which cause changes and damage to the brain.
  • The overall cost of dementia care in Ireland is just over €;1.69 billion per annum; 48% of this is attributable to family care; 43% is accounted for by residential care; formal health and social care services contribute only 9% to the total cost.
  • The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341.
  • Figures referenced to Cahill, S. & Pierce, M. (2013) The Prevalence of Dementia in Ireland