HAVING made the commitment some months ago, Dundalk cousins Cathal and Ciaran McCooey are still determined to go to earthquake ravished Haiti.

They will be part of the Haven group, an Irish international development agency which is building homes for the people of Haiti, something they need now more than ever before following the devastation caused by the earthquake three weeks ago.

But before they can set foot on the plane, Cathal and Ciaran have to raise 9,000 between them, which will go to the Havan charity.

Both are originally from Ard Easmuinn, and went to the Friary and the De la Salle schools. Ciaran now lives in Dublin, where he is married with four children, while Cathal lives in Blackrock, and is married with two children.

In order to get together the substantial sum they need for the trip they are running a number of fundraising events in February including a table quiz in The Phoenix, Park Street on Thursday February 18th and Cathal has organised a coffee morning / cake sale in his home at No 18 The Ferns, Blackrock on Friday February 26th.

Despite the fact that circumstances in Haiti have changed dramatically since they first decided to go there with Haven, both see it as even more necessary than ever to try to help the people of this impoverished country in whatever way they can.

'We will just go out and see what we can do. We have no idea where we will be going in the country, but hopefully we will be able to do something to help the people,' said Cathal.

'We are aware that people have given generously to Haiti already, but every bit of support is greatly appreciated.'

If you can't attend the fundraising events, people can donate directly to Haven online by going to: www.havenpartnership.com

Click on 'donate now' and select Cathal McCooey or Ciaran McCooey as your chosen volunteers.

'It is important they select who they want to sponsor, as we need to raise a minimum amount of money to participate in Build It Week,' said Cathal.

The cousins go from April 25th to May 2nd, but will need to have the

9,000 some weeks before that.