Pub brings Irish luck for cancer

By Clyde Mooney

Sydney's Mercantile Hotel raised an amazing $50,000 for cancer research by hosting an Irish-themed event in honour of resident Irish musician Jimmy Moore.

Moore has maintained a Sunday afternoon show at The Mercantile for over 14 years, but two years ago was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The benefit night on November 21 was in aid of the Cure Cancer Foundation, and organised by fellow musician Eileen McCann and the hotel's general manager, Paul Flynn.

Over 20 Irish musicians graced the stage in support of Moore, who has battled the disease since his diagnosis.

Tickets were $20 at the door and the hotel donated bar profits for the night.

A flight to Ireland was raffled, and a silent auction of prizes, vouchers and sponsorships generated almost $20,000.

Together with patron donations, the amount raised came in at $50,000 for the Foundation, which champions 'innovative researchers in their quest to cure cancer'. 

"We weren't expecting to raise so much – it was higher than our calculations and everyone involved was over the moon," Irish GM Flynn told TheShout. 

"I'd really like to thank all those that helped, including those that donated for the auction. We are happy to have helped Jimmy and his family in this way."