Farmers, hauliers and ordinary workers have taken to the streets across Ireland because they simply cannot afford to keep going. The government and media are beginning to paint them as the villains — but these are the people who keep this country moving.

Here's the reality: if fuel costs €1, the government adds €1.20 on top of that in taxes. That's a 120% markup on a product nobody can live without.

This fund will go directly towards sending food and hot drinks to protesters across Dublin, Cork, Galway and beyond — a simple way to show them the country has their back.

Every cent goes to local cafés and bakeries delivering to protesters.

I am Michael McCarthy, an Irish content creator and commentator. I am fundraising on behalf of the farmers, hauliers and workers currently protesting across Ireland against rising fuel costs.

All funds will be used exclusively to purchase food and hot drinks from local cafés and bakeries across Dublin, Cork, Galway and other protest locations. Orders will be placed directly with businesses and delivered to protesters. Full receipts will be kept and a public spending breakdown will be posted regularly.

As the fundraiser organiser I will directly contact and pay cafés and bakeries to deliver food and drinks to protest locations. Payments will be made via bank transfer or card. All transactions will be documented and shared publicly for full transparency.