The Dublin senior football squad have received glowing praise from the St. Vincent de Paul Dublin branch for their undertaking of a 24-hour fast, which begins on Saturday morning. Branch president Rose McGowan says all funds raised will go towards helping the poor in the run-up to Christmas and explained that the demand on their resources was increasing every year. "It's a great thing for the Dublin team to do," she said. "It came out of the blue but we're really hoping people come along and give what they can. We appreciate people's generosity but we need to raise more funds each year." The Dublin squad and their management will spend between 10am tomorrow and 10am Sunday out on the street outside Arnotts department store and will drink just water for the duration, seeking donations from Christmas shoppers and evening revellers throughout the day for both the St Vincent de Paul and the Peter McVerry charities. Calls for help to the St Vincent de Paul have increased by almost 40 per cent in the past 12 months and McGowan is hopeful this weekend's fundraiser can ease the burden somewhat. "We need to be raising money all year round, not just Christmas. All children want Christmas presents but in the New Year, you have people not being able to meet their basic needs and that's when we get requests for help." Tweet

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