Somebody Special concert raises €12,840 for Gaza aid

A packed house marked the return of Somebody Special – A Fundraising Concert for Gaza to Claremorris Town Hall Theatre for a moving evening of music, song and dance.

The concert, first staged at the same venue last August, was once again a tremendous success, with outstanding performances from the talented musicians, singers and dancers from Hollymount, Roundfort, Irishtown and Carnacon.

Their blend of traditional, folk, gospel and contemporary favourites, together with expressive Irish dance, created a deeply atmospheric performance.

Many in attendance described the evening as both uplifting and emotional. The concert concluded with a sustained standing ovation.

In total, €12,840 was raised on the night, and donations continue to pour in. All proceeds are being donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians.

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“We are delighted to be able to contribute in a way that raises badly needed money for the people of Palestine. The images we see on our screens are just heartbreaking. It was also a way of sending a message to say that we are not forgetting about you,” said Pat McGovern, who assembled the Somebody Special group over the past eighteen months.

Claremorris Palestine Solidarity Group, the organisers of the night, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to making the evening such a success, including the performers and volunteers. They also thanked Midwest Radio, Claremorris Community Radio, and all local media for helping to spread the word in advance of the concert.

Special thanks were extended to Carolina Batista (Unmute Marketing); Deirdre Casby; Cummins & Sons Homevalue Hardware, Ballinrobe; Ken Murphy’s Ballinrobe; Petals ’n’ Buds (TJ Quinn), Ballinrobe; Brendan Hurley and the Night & Day Festival team, Boyle; Helen O’Shea; La Casa Tapas & Wine, Claremorris; Shine Boutique, Claremorris; and Warde’s Pub, Claremorris.

Thanks were also expressed to Darragh Burke, Donna Ireland and all the staff of Claremorris Town Hall Theatre.

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The Somebody Special performers on the night were Paul Clesham, Sharon McCabe, Michelle Rattigan, Maria Hughes, Aisling McGovern, Niall Hughes, Molly Hughes, Shane Wixted, Eoghan Hughes, Aodháin Hughes and Pat McGovern.

“The turnout really showed the great community spirit in the area and people’s willingness to come together in solidarity with the people of Palestine,” said Regina Reilly of Claremorris Palestine Solidarity Group.

The group also organises a peaceful vigil every Friday evening in Claremorris to show solidarity with the people of Palestine.