Special concert in Abbeyleix raises €18,500 for charities
Debra Ireland represented by Malachy and Patricia Fogarty are presented with a cheque for €5,000.
A charity concert organised by the Spink branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE) for one of its young members – Cathal Clooney, who passed away at the age of 15 in April 2021 – managed to raise a huge total of €18,500.
The 'Concert for Cathal' was held on 2 March in the Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. It featured music from many members from Spink CCE, other Laois Comhaltas musicians and performers from various parts of the community.
Many groups and individuals in the locality supported the fundraising efforts, particularly Cathal’s former school friends in Heywood Community School, who managed to raise €1,500 of the total.
Three charities, which were chosen by the Clooney family, were the recipients of the funds. The Jack & Jill Foundation received €8,500, while the Make a Wish Foundation and Debra Ireland each received €5,000.
Representatives from the charities were present at a cheque presentation night on Saturday 7 September. All spoke about the valuable services they provided, the importance of voluntary fundraising for their organisations and how much they appreciated the donations raised.
Speaking on behalf of the committee and members of Spink CCE, Úna Aylward described how much Cathal was missed. She thanked the Clooney family for the privilege to raise money in memory of Cathal.
Cathal’s father Willie said: “From the bottom of our hearts, we as a family want to thank everyone for their help and support over the last three years and in the years to come. Thanks to the Mannor Hotel and the staff. Thanks to those who gave wonderful sponsorship and spot prizes. To the people who gave so generously to the fundraising, thanks so much. A special world of thanks to all in Spink Comhaltas for all they have done for us and for remembering Cathal in such a special way. I know he would be so proud to have helped out the wonderful charities.”
To honour Cathal’s memory, the Clooney family have generously donated a perpetual memorial plate, which will be awarded to a junior member of Spink CCE each year.
The first recipient of the Cathal Clooney Award will be made on Friday 20 September in Aylward’s Rural Museum, where Spink Comhaltas will be hosting Culture Night. The event, which begins at 8pm, is free to the public.
Spink Comhaltas is looking forward to welcoming back existing musicians and newcomers at the start of October. With a small number of spaces available after registration, there is a last opportunity for new members to join on Friday 13 September between 6pm and 8pm in Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyleix. After that, a group of Spink Comhaltas musicians will travel to Liverpool in late September to perform at a number of venues with Liverpool Comhaltas.
Spink Comhaltas provides traditional Irish music lessons to members from Laois and bordering areas in Kilkenny, Carlow and Kildare. With a comprehensive instrument bank to support members learning music in a cost-effective way, Spink prepares musicians for Fleadh Cheoil as well as traditional Irish music examinations. Most importantly, the tradition of playing and enjoying Irish music is being handed on to a new generation. More information is available at www.spinkcomhaltas.ie.
