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Raising a laugh to raise funds!

Irish comics Dara O'Briain and Ardal O'Hanlon unite for Aisling Return to Ireland Project By Angela Sammon - 18/11/09

COMEDIAN Dara O’Briain will headline this year’s annual comedy showcase in aid of the Aisling Return to Ireland Project.

The evening, to be held at the Bloomsbury Ballroom on Sunday December 6, is the 12th annual charity night in aid of the charity, which works with vulnerable members of the Irish community in North London and organises trips to Ireland for those who have not returned home in many years.

The annual fundraiser is the brainchild of funnyman Ardal O’Hanlon, who is patron of the charity, and Noel Faulkner of the Comedy Café in Shoreditch.

O’Hanlon will be the host for the evening and topping the bill will be Britain’s favourite Irish comic, Dara O’Briain. In the tradition of previous Aisling shows, the rest of the evening will also feature the best in new Irish comedy.

Ardal O’Hanlon said: “I have been Aisling’s patron for a number of years and fully support the great work they do with vulnerable Irish exiles, the forgotten Irish in fact.

“We are starting up a befriending scheme at the moment, recruiting volunteers to help with the work linking up with Irish men and women in London reducing their isolation and increasing social contact with the wider community.

“The scheme will be launched at this year’s comedy benefit show - it would be great if people could come along and have a great night and maybe think about helping out with the project.”

The Bloomsbury Ballroom has been donated free of charge by Vince Power and The Workers Beer Company.

Tickets are £20 and available from www.eventelephant.com/aislingcomedybenefit