RTÉ Does Comic Relief

25th June 2020

RTÉ in association with Comic Relief are bringing the cream of Irish comedy and entertainment together to raise a laugh, as well as, much needed funds for the Irish charity sector on Friday 26th June.

The marathon show, which has been extended due to the phenomenal line-up of stars from comedy, entertainment and sport, will be broadcast live from RTÉ studios from 8pm and promises to be an unmissable night’s entertainment packed full of showbiz reunions and comedy sketches with unexpected celebrity collaborations, live studio performances, lip-syncs, dance and sport challenges and much more. 

Donate(opens in new window)

RTÉ Does Comic Relief will be hosted by Deirdre O’Kane, Nicky Byrne, Baz Ashmawy, Jennifer Zamparelli, and Eoghan McDermott and will feature a range of performances and contributions (and the occasional glitzy showbiz reunion) from the likes of Dara O’Briain, Hozier, Amy Huberman, Bridget & Eamon, Chris O’Dowd, Jason Byrne, Normal People’s Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones, Andrew Scott, Niall Horan, Pat Shortt, Foil, Arms and Hog, The 2 Johnnies, Una Healy, Roy Keane, Conor McPherson, Aisling Bea, John Bishop, David Mitchell, Oliver Jeffers, Soulé, The Derry Girls, Paths To Freedom, Waterford Whispers News, Anne Doyle, Andrew Maxwell, Ed Byrne, Roisín Ó, Jimmy Carr, Saoirse Ronan, Mairead Farrell, Risteard Cooper, Neil Delamere, Brian O’Driscoll, Lenny Abrahamson, Nathan Carter, Paul Howard, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Dustin, Ray D’Arcy, Zig & Zag, Christy Moore, Dawn O’Porter, and many, many more...

Richard Curtis, Founder, Comic Relief: “I’m delighted to see so much amazing Irish talent come together to raise funds at this hugely difficult time for so many incredibly important Irish charities. It’s fantastic to see RTÉ collaborating with the wonderful people at Community Foundation Ireland via Deirdre O’Kane and her many mates who’ve become firm friends of all of us at Comic Relief, here’s hoping the night is the massive success it deserves to be!”.

RTÉ and Comic Relief’s charity partner for the event is The Community Foundation For Ireland who will distribute the funds raised. One of Ireland’s leading philanthropic organisations with extensive expertise in grant making in Ireland, the Community Foundation for Ireland was established in 2000 and has a strong working relationship with over 4,000 non-profit organisations at a national, regional and local level throughout Ireland.

Tina Roche, Chief Executive, The Community Foundation for Ireland Said, “The Community Foundation for Ireland is delighted to be partnering with RTE and Comic Relief. The community and voluntary sector has seen a substantial drop in fundraising and requires much needed funds to help people and our communities to support social issues such as mental health, homelessness and rising inequality and poverty. RTÉ Does Comic Relief is providing a platform for everyone to be a philanthropist and play our part in rebuilding our society, ensuring no one is left behind.” 

About Comic Relief’s activities in Ireland

Comic Relief's activities in Ireland have been spearheaded by comedian Deirdre O’Kane, TV producer Darren Smith, Talent Agent Jane Russell, Advertising Exec Patrick Hickey, Accountant Ciaran Medler and Lawyer David Phelan. This group will be working in conjunction with RTÉ, Comic Relief UK and CFI across all aspects of the campaign, the founders of this group have previously staged three gala nights of stand up comedy at The 3 Arena on St. Patrick’s Night, these concerts have seen close to €600k being distributed by CFI to a variety of Irish charities such as Focus Ireland, The Simon Community and Trocaire.

Related news

See more