The sixth and final concert in a well-loved community fundraising series will take place at Oakwood, with proceeds this year going to the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice. The event, which takes place in Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel in Shannon on Friday September 19 at 8pm, promises an evening of music and entertainment, all in aid of a worthy cause. Tickets are €20 and available by phoning organiser Aidan White at 086 319 7235.
“This is our sixth concert that we have run for different charities, and we decided that this would be the last one. We have picked Laura Lynn children’s hospice,” explained producer Aidan White. Over the past six years, the concerts have raised about €35,000 for causes including the Motor Neurone Association, the Diabetes Federation, and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The concert will be directed by Noel Murphy, with Michael Hennessy of Ennis serving as musical director and accompanist. White, who spent years organising banquets in local castles, said many of those performing have ties to those venues. “I worked in the castles organising the banquets. That’s why a lot of people involved in the concerts have been ex-entertainers in the castles. Even though I left the castles 22 years ago, we’ve stayed in contact, and it’s been great fun bringing everyone together again,” he said.
This year’s line-up features Quin and Tonic, a ladies’ choir from Quin conducted by Carol O’Neill, and Harmony Bro, a male choir led by Hennessy. Soloists and guest acts include tenor Vincent di Placido, ballad singer Ger Carrig, and James Sexton with his Neil Diamond tribute. Other highlights are Limerick Rose 2024 Molli-ann O’Haloran, All-Ireland champion whistler Liam Jones and his family, and Aoife Hennessy of Bunratty.
The programme also features younger talent, including White’s granddaughter Aisling, who plays concertina and fiddle and previously won an All-Ireland title in the under-12 category. Musical theatre singer Edel Heaney will join di Placido for a duet, while former castle entertainer and actor Nigel Mercier, Cork-based Angela Newman, and West End performer Liam O’Brien, appearing as a surprise guest will also take to the stage.
Members of the Sisters of Mercy Shannon have been invited as guests of honour, along with the bishop. Local representatives Donna McGettigan and Cathal Rowe will also be in attendance.
White explained that after devoting a lot of time and energy to the series of concerts over the past six years the team has decided it is time for them to step away from the project.
