Rathvilly concert night was a huge success
The Wolseley Singers performing at the fundraising concert in St Patrick's Church in Rathvilly Photos: Paul Curran
THE RECENT fundraising concert in Rathvilly church was a huge success, generating much-needed money to renovate the local community centre.
The concert took place in St Patrick’s Church on 1 November, kicking off the run-up to Christmas.
Compèred by country icon Mary D’Arcy, the concert was a fantastic night for local music fans. The Rathvilly woman, one half of the legendary duo Two’s Company, was honoured to mark 60 years of success in the music industry.
Her performance included a special guest appearance with her sister Catherine.
The concert was opened by Tullow-based choir The Wolseley Singers. Alistair Fingleton, a country singer from Castledermot, performed a fantastic set that attendees said gelled well with The Ryan Turner Band, who played with the singers throughout the night.
The acclaimed singer Louise Morrissey closed the show in style.
After the performance, there was a raffle. Attendees were in with a chance to win food and drink hampers, local whiskey and even a scooter.
This is the fourth year of the concert, raising funda to renovate Rathvilly Community Centre and the School House. Already, they have raised €275,000 and are hopeful of breaking ground soon.
“We’re really close to putting shovels in the ground,” said Jim Dunne, PRO of the School House committee.
He said the committee has received fantastic feedback from attendees. He also thanked Mgr McAvoy for allowing them to use the church.
The church concert is a huge component of fundraising for the new centre, but Jim highlighted efforts that continue throughout the year. The ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign has proved highly successful, allowing individuals and businesses to showcase their commitment to the local community by being a part of the building’s very fabric.
Jim highlighted the hard work of his colleagues on the committee and their ingenuity when it comes to raising money. He said that the work won’t stop, even when the renovations are completed.
*More photos of the big night in this week's issue of
