Almost €4,000 was raised for the Irish Red Cross and the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland during an impressive 24-hour traditional music session in Lackagh in April.
The flutes, fiddles, banjos and whistles were tuned and ready to go at Lackagh Parish Centre 3pm on Saturday 9 April, and the trad musicians played throughout the day and night until 3pm on Sunday.
Event organiser and musician Eoghan Gallagher was overjoyed with the level of support from the traditional music family, saying it was wonderful to contribute in a small way to the awful ongoing plight of the Ukrainian people.
“We have all been astounded by the shocking and distressing scenes coming from Ukraine. Irish people have responded with customary and widely recognised goodwill, by opening up our homes and wallets to welcome refugees here,” said Eoghan.
“Communities and businesses have pulled together, as done so during the outbreak of COVID-19, to prepare and warmly welcome refugees into Ireland.”
Eoghan said that he was blown away by the support of local people for the event, and those who travelled from across Galway to attend.
“There was no shortage of energy throughout the night as we had plenty of tunes, songs, and dance,” he said.
“I want to sincerely thank anyone who came down, played, and donated. The event couldn’t have happened without the assistance of the Parish Centre, the parish priest, Treat Café, Supervalu Flynns of Lackagh, and the wider community.”
The €3,820 that was raised will be sent to both aid organisations, supporting the humanitarian situation on the ground in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.
