Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, Milica Atanackovic, Director of Membership, Excellence and Learning, and Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn. Credit: Marc O’Sullivan
Over 1,180 children wear their pyjamas with pride today as National Pyjama Day 2026 is celebrated in 22 Early Years and School Age Care settings across Louth.
Organised by Early Childhood Ireland, this cherished annual event sees children wear their favourite pyjamas to crèches, preschools and afterschools for a fun‑filled day of PJ breakfasts, teddy bear picnics, games and activities, all to raise essential funds for charity.
Commenting on the event, Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said, “National Pyjama Day captures the spirit of children helping children in the most joyful way, and it’s so inspiring to see over 1,180 and their educators join the celebrations in Early Years and School Age Care settings in Louth today.”
This year’s event supports LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, alongside Early Childhood Ireland’s Eco-Emotions project.
“This year, we are proud to partner with LauraLynn to provide personalised care for children with palliative and complex needs, and vital supports for their families. The funds will also support Early Childhood Ireland’s Eco‑Emotions project, helping us to continue delivering our first-of-its-kind eco-learning for educators and families,” Ms Heeney said.
LauraLynn provides vital care for children and essential support for families by building unique communities of care. National Pyjama Day funds will support LauraLynn’s Family Support Services, ensuring families can access high-quality emotional, therapeutic and practical care when and where they need it most.
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Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn, said, “It is fantastic to see so many children and Early Years and School Age Care settings joining National Pyjama Day today raising funds for LauraLynn. This support helps us to provide hospice and palliative care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families from all across Ireland.”
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of partner organisation Community Foundation Ireland, said, “Community Foundation Ireland is delighted to continue this long-standing partnership with Early Childhood Ireland on National Pyjama Day – an initiative that truly shows the power of communities coming together to champion children. We also congratulate LauraLynn and wish them every success as they continue to provide this vital support for children and families that need it most.”
To donate to National Pyjama Day 2026, visit here.
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