January 29, 2022: Russell Crowe watches the Women’s Singles Final match between Ashleigh Barty of Australia and Danielle Collins of United States during day 13 of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. Getty Images
The Rick O’Shea Book Club Xmas appeal has received a $5,000 donation and warm wishes from actor Russell Crowe.
O’Shea, a broadcaster with RTÉ, shared the news about Crowe's donation on his Instagram page on December 24, Christmas Eve.
“I had logged off for Xmas, but once again, we have had a minor miracle,” O’Shea wrote. “It is the season and all…
"Thank you to the legendary @russellcrowe for the most bafflingly brilliant support of @therickosheabookclub Xmas Appeal, again!!!!!!
"I had thought we wouldn't make 25k this year, now we are over €30,000 and counting.
"That's €190,000 raised over the 5 years."
The annual Rick O’Shea Book Club Xmas Appeal, now in its fifth year, is raising funds for the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) and the Peter McVerry Trust, an Irish housing and homeless charity.
At the time of publication, O’Shea’s appeal had raised more than €31,000, surpassing its target of €25,000, thanks in no small part to Crowe’s donation.
O’Shea’s book club appeal will remain open until the first Monday in January.
Crowe, who was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, has a great grá for Ireland and is a frequent visitor.
Earlier this year, he was staying in Dublin as he filmed the new thriller "The Pope's Exorcist."
Hollywood actor Russell Crowe filming scenes for his new movie ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ at #Dublin City Hall and Dublin Castle. Video by Steve Humphreys @stevehpix for @Independent_ie #RussellCrowe #ThePopesExorcist pic.twitter.com/EL3FGT8XDY
— Steve Humphreys (Deluxe Edition) (@stevehpix) August 4, 2022
While in Dublin, he stopped by RTÉ's The Late Late Show where he told host Ryan Tubridy: "I do feel I am amongst kindred spirits on the set here in Ireland."
Crowe also performed Red Lane's "Blackjack County Chains," which he proudly noted was also covered by Irish singer-songwriter Christy Moore.
Love going on the Late Late Show with Ryan . Here’s a little tune https://t.co/WOXfdSJSa8
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 10, 2022
Not long after his RTÉ appearance, Crowe was down in Co Limerick to visit one of his favorite pubs, Charlie St. George in Limerick City. His generosity was on full display again as he bought drinks and signed some autographs:
Drinks on the house in Limerick pub courtesy of @russellcrowe https://t.co/JsmbJSxkQB
— Pat (@PatCarroll_1) September 18, 2022
Later, in November, Crowe made sure to draw attention to RTÉ's Toy Show Appeal as well:
In Ireland it’s that wonderful Late Late Toy Show time of the year again. Donation lines are still open. https://t.co/gduqp2zIs8
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) November 25, 2022
Safe to say Crowe will enjoy another warm welcome whenever he ventures to Ireland again.