All-Ireland Céilí Band champions raise substantial funds for Mayo hospice care

All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band champions, Glór na dTonn Céilí Band, recently staged a sell-out fundraising concert in aid of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

In August 2025, the band, which includes ten members from Mayo and Sligo, secured the coveted title at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Glór na dTonn accordion player, Séamus Tiernan, said that following the band's success at the Fleadh, both he and flute player Alan Judge came together to organise a charity event.

“We came together and started to plan a fundraiser concert in aid of charity. The charity we felt was most appropriate was Mayo Roscommon Hospice because of Alan’s experience with them.”

Alan’s mother, Linda Judge, spent her final days in the Mayo Roscommon Hospice before passing away.

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“Alan and his sister Roisin saw firsthand the hard work that Mayo Roscommon Hospice does,” Seamus told The Mayo News.

Eight months before his wife Linda’s passing, Paul Judge passed away unexpectedly.

“It was a sudden two years, a very tragic two years for Alan and Roisin, but I suppose something they were able to put their minds to was music.” He said.

After deciding on the charity, the band began preparing an event.

“It was our first time organising something on this scale, and we thought if we could get 200 people, it would be fantastic.”

However, their expectations were well exceeded. Over 400 people supported the concert at The Great National Hotel, Ballina.

“We were absolutely blown away by the level of interest and compassion from the people of Mayo, Connaught, and all around Ireland. People travelled from all over to be there.

“Everyone has experience with the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. The charity is close to many people’s hearts across the community,” he said.

The event raised over €25,000, coming from both ticket sales and the iDonate page.

“We never expected the final figure to be anything near €25,000, so the fact we could raise that is an absolutely huge achievement.”

On the night, Glór na dTonn were joined by Bofield Céilí Band, together staging a night of traditional Irish music for the large crowd of attendees.

Seamus emphasised the importance of hosting events like these.

“On the back of winning the All-Ireland, we have some very exciting events and concerts coming up. That’s all lovely and well, and the competition is going good, but ultimately I think if you can't give back, what is the point?”

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