Person to Person: Cork's Cian Dalton helping raise funds for Focus Ireland

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Cian Dalton. I am a Community Fundraising Officer for Focus Ireland, the national housing and homelessness organisation, based in Cork.

My job is to raise awareness, and more importantly, funds, for Focus Ireland through community groups, individuals and events.

My weeks are filled with school presentations, meetings with community groups, churches, sports clubs and many more people who keep the vibrant communities in Cork city and county thriving.

The money they raise through coffee mornings, charity runs, and much more are vital to Focus Ireland, so that we can keep providing valuable services to those experiencing homelessness.

Where were you born?

I was born in the Bronx, in New York. My parents moved back home to Ireland when I was six or seven months old.

Where do you live?

I live in Rathpeacon, a small village between Blackpool and Whitechurch.

Family?

My Mam and Dad, Eileen and Seán, live nearby and keep me well fed! I have two brothers, Conor and Seán, and of course I couldn’t forget Cody the dog.

Best friend?

My girlfriend, Ruth.

Earliest childhood memory?

Playing soccer with my brother Conor outside in the garden when I was seven or eight, trying to recreate one of David Beckham’s free-kicks for Manchester United.

Person you most admire?

My Mam.

Person who most irritates you?

People who play TikTok videos on public transport with no headphones. The Guards are to be rang!

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Spending two weeks in Croatia with three of my other best friends, Keli, Dave, and Kate. We went to Zadar, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik. Slept for a week afterwards.

Favourite TV programme?

Currently, Severance or Ted Lasso. All-time would have to be The Office (US Version)

Cian Dalton is a Community Fundraising Officer for Focus Ireland, and is seeking entrants for its latest campaign, the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle

Lorraine And Ross In The Morning on Cork’s 96FM.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Tuna pasta bake, if I’m feeling fancy. Usually a Fit Food in the microwave!

Favourite restaurant?

I would be lying if I didn’t say Roosters Piri Piri in Blackpool.

Last book you read?

The Barracks, by John McGahern.

Best book you read?

The Spinning Heart, by Donal Ryan.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Last album I listened to on Spotify was Cub by Wunderhorse.

Favourite song?

Nobody, by Hozier.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Queen.

Do you have a pet?

My brother’s dog, Cody, is part of the family.

Morning person or night owl?

Night owl.

Your proudest moment?

Graduating with an MA in Journalism from UL in 2023 after working full time, and being Secretary of Rathpeacon GAA.

Spendthrift or saver?

Spendthrift. If I see a cool jersey, take my money.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

I would introduce speed bumps and speed cameras to encourage people to slow down while driving.

What makes you happy?

Spending time with family, friends and my partner Ruth.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who helped.

Finally, what else are you up to at the moment?

Things are busy in Focus Ireland at the moment.

There are currently more than 15,000 people experiencing homelessness in Ireland. Our next fundraising campaign is the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle on July 5 in Killarney.

We are looking for cyclists to take on the scenic route next month and raise some much- needed funds for the valuable services we provide.

Cyclists who sign up will get cycling socks and a cap on the day, and if they fundraise more than €150, they will get a Focus Ireland cycling top!

They can sign up through our website, www.focusireland.ie/event-and-challenges/ring-of-kerry-cycle/ or contact me on cian.dalton@focusireland.ie

We believe that homelessness is wrong and that it can be ended, but we can’t do it alone.