Ireland's hospitality industry has taken a gargantuan hit as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but two organisations have now joined forces to support the businesses through the "nation's largest tip jar".

The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) and Paddy Irish Whiskey have come together to create the virtual tip jar during these challenging times by starting a GoFundMe page and support initiative.

The initiative has been set up to fund bartenders and hospitality workers who have struggled financially since the coronavirus lockdown cut jobs in the area and forced the closure of hundreds of businesses.

The RAI and Paddy Irish Whiskey are calling on the public to “tip their bar staff and hospitality workers”, and anything that the public donates up to the value of €15,000 will be matched by the duo.

Without the necessary help in place, the hospitality industry will have long term structural damage and economic loss, not to mention harm to the social fabric of Ireland and our international brand.

To help bartenders and hospitality workers manage through the uncertain times ahead, the public can donate to the GoFundMe page as of June 22, 2020.

“Too many of our restaurants are facing closure, and supports need to be put in place for this industry," Adrian Cummins, CEO of The Restaurants Association of Ireland said.

"Many staff members are struggling to get by without a salary coming in and are surviving solely on government supports," he added.

"By creating Ireland’s Largest Tip Jar our aim is to offer some much-needed help to the bartenders and hospitality workers of Ireland.”

George Roberts, Country Manager with Paddy Irish Whiskey Ireland emphasised the company's links with heritage, tradition and connection to the Irish people.

“This is a challenging time and we want to play our part in supporting them as much as we can. While we may not be able to get out and support our local bars and restaurants right now, we can still tip and show our support," he said.

"Paddy Irish Whiskey’s heritage is in the hospitality sector has been a part of Ireland’s social fabric for generations and we want to say thank you to the hospitality industry for allowing us to be a part of it."

"Now it is our turn to help them when they need it most, so we would strongly encourage anyone to please join us in filling Ireland’s Largest Tip Jar by giving what you can.”

Bartenders and Hospitality Workers can apply for this funding via an online application process.

Once you have ensured you meet the application criteria, you can submit an application form to [email protected].

Click here for more information on criteria for the application.