Offaly boy Joey Conway.

Offaly boy's GoFundMe campaign among top five in Ireland this year

An online fundraising campaign involving an Offaly boy was one of the top five in terms of the level of support received for GoFundMe fundraisers in Ireland this year.

The fundraiser, 'Help Our Little Man Get Life-Saving Surgery', was set up by Natalie and Tommy Conway to help their son Joey undergo vital surgery in Chicago.

Joey was diagnosed with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, a rare disease that affects the blood vessels leading to the liver.

The local boy underwent five-hour meso-rex shunt bypass surgery to connect the superior mesenteric vein to the left portal vein using an internal jugular vein. This procedure bypasses the obstruction and restores normal portal flow into the liver.

The GoFundMe campaign raised over €330,000 for Joey's treatment and recovery, and was the fourth most successful GoFundMe campaign in Ireland in 2024.

Joey pictured with his parents Natalie and Tommy Conway and his sister Molly and brother Jordi.

According to the GoFundMe 2024 'Year in Help' report, Irish generosity continues to set a powerful example for the world, with the country remaining the world's most generous for the sixth year in a row.

The crowdfunding platform revealed that almost €50 million was raised for countless life-changing causes across Ireland this year. From charity funding to supporting families in crisis, the nation’s spirit of giving has never been more evident.

In 2024, more than 15,000 fundraisers were launched across Ireland, with more than 850,000 donations. Globally, an average of two donations were made every second.

Galway emerged as the country’s most generous county in 2024.

GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan on a visit to Ireland last year.

Among the stories that captured hearts were efforts to rebuild a family home lost to a devastating fire, provide urgent aid to families in Gaza.

Speaking on Ireland’s continued global leadership in generosity, GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan said: "The Irish people’s incredible kindness and willingness to help others, even during challenging times, continues to inspire.”

“Whether donating €5 or €500, every act of generosity creates a ripple effect of hope and change. This year’s inspiring fundraisers are a testament to the Irish spirit – resilient, compassionate, and unwavering in its support of those in need."

Ireland’s Top 5 GoFundMe Campaigns Based on the Amount Raised in 2024

1. Joe Slattery Fund for Future Care – Clare

While training with his parish team, Joe suffered life-changing injuries requiring lifelong care. Funds raised will go towards his ongoing support.

2. Caitríona Logan Brain Tumour Treatment Fundraiser – Mullingar

Mother of two, Caitríona Logan, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October. Funds were raised to support oncovirus therapies being trialled in the US and Canada. Any unused funds will be donated to The Irish Cancer Society.

Tragically, Caitríona passed away in late November.

3. Mutual Aid for 5 Displaced Families in Gaza

A fundraiser organized by Amran Maxamed, a Dublin resident, to support five young families affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

4. Help Our Little Man Get Life-Saving Surgery – Offaly

Two-year-old Joey, diagnosed with Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension, needed a life-changing operation in Chicago. This campaign raised funds for his treatment and recovery.

5. Hope for Zoe – Dublin

A campaign to help two-year-old Zoe travel to the US for clinical trials for stage 4 high-risk Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer.