There are plenty of moments that make you feel genuinely good about the world, and this is one of them. Shannon Airport Group has announced that its staff raised an incredible €80,000 in 2025 for two brilliant children's charities, Clare Crusaders Children's Clinic and Little Blue Heroes. And not content with that, the group has confirmed that both organisations will continue as charity partners throughout 2026.
When you think about the sheer effort behind a number like that — the bake sales, the raffles, the men gamely growing questionable moustaches in November — it's genuinely moving. These aren't corporate donations signed off in a boardroom. This is a team of airport workers, across a whole year, doing the work.
Eleven years of giving back
This year's total brings the overall amount raised by Shannon Airport Group since launching its charity programme to a staggering €580,000 over eleven years. That's not a small thing. That's a sustained, decade-long commitment to the communities on their doorstep, and it shows.
Throughout 2025, staff took part in a range of fundraising events put together by the staff charity committee. There was a Christmas bake sale (the kind that makes you want to work there), a raffle featuring some very tempting prizes including flights to the US and Europe, and a Movember campaign where team members embraced the challenge of growing a moustache for a good cause. We've all seen those efforts up close — usually on a partner's face in late November. Respect where it's due.
The year also saw the launch of the limited-edition Shannon Bear, a cuddly companion designed by the Duty-Free team, with all proceeds going directly to the partner charities. Honestly, if you spotted one of those in the airport shops, the charitable impulse would have been hard to resist.
Shannon Airport Group celebrates €80K raised for children's charities.
The charities making a real difference
Clare Crusaders Children's Clinic provides free therapy and specialist treatment to over 450 children with special needs in County Clare. That word — free — matters enormously to any family who has navigated the waiting lists and the costs that come with getting a child the support they need. Ann Norton from Clare Crusaders put it well: "We are a local charity, with children and community at our heart, so to partner with The Shannon Airport Group has been very special for us. Their support in 2025 has made a real difference in enabling us to provide life-changing therapies to children in the region."
Little Blue Heroes works closely with An Garda Síochána to support families of children with serious illnesses, creating special moments and lasting memories for children and their families at what are often the hardest times imaginable. Thomas Downey, local representative for Little Blue Heroes, said the funds raised "will help make dreams come true for some of our little heroes" — and it's the kind of sentence that stays with you.
Shannon Airport Group celebrates €80K charity fundraising achievement.
Looking ahead to 2026
Vanessa McTigue, Chair of The Shannon Airport Group Charity Committee, spoke at today's announcement: "We're incredibly proud to have raised €80,000 for Clare Crusaders Children's Clinic and Little Blue Heroes last year. The team here have always been committed to supporting great causes, and charitable giving has been an important part of our culture for over a decade. Both organisations make a remarkable difference in the lives of children in our community, and we look forward to continuing our support in 2026."
Both charities are set to benefit again from the group's fundraising efforts throughout the year ahead, which is very welcome news for the families who rely on these services. If you'd like to find out more about either charity, you can visit www.littleblueheroes.org or www.clarecrusaders.ie.
