Concert in St Mary's strikes chord for Carlow NS
Carlow Ukelele Players brewing up a storm at a fundraising concert in St Mary's Church for Carlow National School Photo: Paul Curran
A WARM and celebratory atmosphere filled St Mary’s Church of Ireland recently when the annual Carlow National School benefit concert drew a large crowd in support of the Green Road school.
The concert, which took place on Friday 6 February, is organised each year through the Carlow Union of Parishes as a key fundraising event for the school, with all proceeds directed entirely to Carlow National School.
Under the direction of musical director Ollie Hennessy, the evening featured a lively programme of music and entertainment. Pupils from third to sixth-class, participating through Music Generation Carlow, took to the stage, while noted local musician Nicky Kealy performed. The Carlow Ukulele Players also featured among the acts, adding to what proved to be a varied and enjoyable programme.
Organisers had previously noted that one of the scheduled guest artists, Maksym Lozovy, was unable to attend due to his commitments with the Irish Opera Company.
xxx
A raffle was held, with tickets sponsored and produced by Revd Ger James. Raffle prizes were kindly donated by a range of local supporters, including the board of management of Carlow National School, Kelly’s Pharmacy, Keith Southern and the parents’ group, Betty and Maebh Fitzpatrick, Revd Katherine Kehoe, McDonald’s on Potato Market, Ann and William Griffin, Munnelly’s garage on the Kilkenny Road and Centra on Potato Market.
Chief sponsorship for the evening was provided by SETU students’ union Carlow, with organisers expressing gratitude for the support received.
Revd Paul Fitzpatrick, rector of Carlow and Killeshin Group of Parishes, who organised the event, paid tribute to all those who contributed and said that they were delighted that €2,860 was raised for the school. “We are encountering generosity,” he said.
