Mayo hosts Irish premiere of 'Bound for Canada' supporting hospice

The Irish premiere of  ‘Bound for Canada: A Musical Journey from Hardship to Hope’ is set to take place in Ballina Arts Centre on December 5 and 6.

Composed by Dr Odhrán Ó Casaide, this 80-minute orchestral suite forms the centrepiece of his recently completed doctoral research at Dundalk Institute of Technology. 

The work pays tribute to the resilience and courage of the Irish Famine migrants who, in 1847, embarked on their perilous journeys in search of a new life. It also serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the compassionate people of Canada who provided refuge, care, and hope to the thousands of Irish men, women, and children who arrived on those distant shores during one of the darkest chapters in our shared history.

The orchestra will be conducted by Pat Kenny, Musical Director with The Garda Band. It will feature performances by Sibéal (Sean-nós vocalist), Ellen Fair (Soprano), Patrick Lacken (Tenor), Dr. Odhrán Ó Casaide, Maitiú Ó Casaide (Uilleann Pipes), as well as The Garda Band and St Muredach's Cathedral Choir.

All proceeds from both evenings will go directly to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation to support its future development of a Children’s Hospice for the Western Seaboard, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks. Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation provides palliative care services to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families in County Mayo and County Roscommon.

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said, 

“It is so special to have Bound for Canada premiere here in Mayo, and I am incredibly proud that our next project will benefit from what’s going to be a truly fantastic event.

“This concert represents hope, compassion, and community coming together in support of children and families who need it most. We are extremely grateful to everyone involved.”

Dr Sheila Flanagan, Vice President, Academic Affairs, DkIT, expressed her delight for the upcoming Irish premiere of ‘Bound for Canada’.

“This sweeping musical epic represents a creative, skilled, and moving rendering of a major chapter in the conjoined histories of Ireland and Canada. It is a tribute to Canada for its compassionate response to Ireland in a year of desperate, apocalyptic need, and it is indeed appropriate that the narrative within the music is representative of hope. 

“We are thrilled to support Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation in its future development of a Children’s Hospice through this concert event.”

 Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council, says this event represents a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening international connections and fostering relationships that honour our shared heritage. 

“It also opens new avenues for cultural, social, and economic collaboration between Mayo and our global family.

“We are especially honoured to once again welcome His Excellency Dennis King, Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, to County Mayo. His presence at this event underscores the importance of our transatlantic ties and the mutual respect that continues to grow between our communities.

“In addition to celebrating our diaspora, this occasion also supports the future development of a vital new Hospice service for the people of Mayo and the wider region - a testament to our collective values of compassion, care, generosity of spirit and community.

“Mayo County Council looks forward to welcoming audiences to Ballina Arts Centre on 5th and 6th December for what promises to be a significant, enjoyable and memorable event.”

Tickets for the event can be booked on www.ballinaartscentre.com, while donations can be made online at www.hospice.ie.