An estimated 300,000 people attended coffee mornings all over the country yesterday. And even if the odd mineral water was spotted, the Irish Hospice Foundation expected the events to raise over £750,000.
As part of Ireland's Biggest Coffee Morning, the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, hosted a gala brew-in at the National Gallery in Dublin for 300 guests. The Minister for Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, arrived bright and early. Others followed, and the presence of Ms Mary Banotti and Ms Adi Roche ensured that the presidential campaign was never far from anybody's minds.
The director of the National Gallery, Mr Raymond Keaveney, said he was delighted that the event was in the gallery for the first time.
SIPTU members had lifted their picket on the premises - part of an ongoing labour dispute - for the two-hour event. Mr Keaveney said that, given the morning that was in it, the union and gallery had come to an agreement.
High-profile though this gathering was, it was just one of the 4,000 that took place in homes, schools, parish halls, companies, clubs and restaurants all over the State. Last year nearly £700,000 was raised.
The locations included Bewleys cafes, all National Irish Bank branches, PMPA branches, the Garda HQ in the Phoenix Park and Garda stations all over the State, all Quinnsworth and Dunnes Stores supermarkets, the Chief State Solicitor's office, Shanganagh Castle Prison in Shankill, and fire stations.
The chairwoman of the Irish Hospice Foundation, Ms Marie Donnelly, said their "work in the hospice movement makes life worth living to the end by alleviating physical pain and providing the spiritual, psychological and emotional support that patients and their loved ones need so much".
The movement was again thrilled at the support this year. Ongoing financial support was vital for local groups in providing hospice care and services to the community, she added.
The event is now into its fifth year and has become a regular date for thousands of people every year, who donate at least £1 to their local hospice group.