Twitter Sensation – Angela Merkel Raises Money for Charity – Thanks to Cheeky Irish Flag!

Bearing in mind the Germans and their difficult relationship with humour, the message underlines that Merkel won’t have the last laugh, the first laugh – or any in between! Huge parts of Europe are in economic stress – the Irish Republic was one of the first countries to be bailed out as their banks collapsed under the weight of bad debts.

The Irish five, let’s give them a name check – they deserve it – are Gerry Nolan, Ritchie Tuohy, Ritchie Leahy, Eoin Cantwell and Eoin O’Brien. In their own words they decided to support their team, Republic of Ireland, make a flag, and have a few beers.

They wanted a message the TV cameras would pick up and they hit the jackpot. It was picked up on TV networks and became an instant Twitter sensation.

The message hit home because the hard line German Chancellor Angela Merkel is seen as the one playing hard ball with countries having problems. Greece, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Italy are struggling because it makes no sense to try and fit their economies into the same bracket as the booming German model.

Germany has done very nicely out of the Euro – but most of the other countries are struggling. Hence the message to Merkel – we’re going to carry on doing our thing! 

The message fits in beautifully with the Irish stereotype of happy go lucky, let’s have a laugh philosophy.

The lovely twist at the end of the tale is that the flag was seen by Oscar, a 3 year old Irish boy in hospital, suffering from a rare cancer. He was allowed to stay up and watch the game with his Dad who suggested they make their own poster and send it to the lads.

Oscar’s message was “My Ma thinks I’ll be going to bed early”. The five lads on tour were so impressed they decided to auction their flag – and use the money to help charity and Oscar.

Around $10,000 was raised, half going to help Oscar and the other half to Medical Research for Children Foundation in Dublin.

Long live the Irish!