Ireland has one of the highest rates of cancer of the oesophagus in Europe, and the Oesophageal Cancer Fund, which organises the weekend event, hopes that selling lollipops will raise funds and make people conscious of swallowing, something oesophagus cancer sufferers have difficulty doing.

More than 400 cases are diagnosed here every year, but a new study shows that most people don't even know the illness exists.

Oesophageal cancer is regarded as one of the most lethal cancers and it has been becoming more common, particularly in Ireland.

Traditionally, the disease has predominantly afflicted older males, but now it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people and women.

The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) was set up in memory of Lucilla Hyland, who died of the oesophageal cancer in August 2001, at the age of 41.