Impressive line up for spectacular Longford gala charity concert

A spectacular Summer Gala Concert will take place in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland Longford and Palliative Care Longford at 8pm on Saturday, July 6 in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule. Tickets are available to purchase at €10 each.

The concert will showcase the harmonious voices of the famous Gateway Singers Buncrana, renowned singer and professional singer, actor, director, producer and Founder of Evolution Stage School Paul Hennessy & friends. Audiences can expect an evening filled with soulful melodies and uplifting music.

The Gateway Singers’ Choir was formed in Buncrana in November 2005. It is a cross-border, cross-community group founded by John Peoples and Claire Doherty, both from Derry, along with accompanist, Charlotte Logue, also from Derry. Claire now directs the choir, since John retired two years ago.

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The choir is entirely self-funded, and has members from Derry, Buncrana and surrounding areas, of all ages, from all walks of life, who come together every week to learn and perform music together and to connect socially, which the rehearsals and the choir offers.

The Gateway Singers perform at a number of charity events throughout the year, culminating at their Christmas Gala Concert held in St Mary’s Oratory in Buncrana, each December. The choir has had the privilege of performing at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, with a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI, and St Mark’s Basilica in Venice during a Trip to Italy in 2008. This was followed by a trip to South Wales where they performed with the Treharris Male Voice Choir, as well as singing in St David’s Cathedral Cardiff.

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In 2010 they were invited by then president, Mary McAleese to sing at Aras an Uachtarain.In 2012 the choir travelled to France where they performed in 2 civic receptions in Brittany. They were given a civic reception and performed with a 60 strong choir, Les Coeurs d'Emeraude.

In 2013 and again in 2017 they sang Live on RTE for the broadcaster’s Sunday Mass. The choir travelled to Italy in 2015 to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. While there they performed at the residence of the Irish Ambassador totally, in Rome, Mr Bobby McDonagh, as well as singing at Mass in Florence.

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In 2017 they performed at the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire for the Irish Guide Dogs Association, as well as a concert the same year in The Rustic Inn to raise funds for Alzheimer's Ireland. They performed there again in 2019, making this concert their 3rd performance in The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule.

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All proceeds from ticket sales and donations collected during the concert will be directed towards supporting the three local charities that provide essential services to those in need within our community. This event serves as a platform for music lovers to come together and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

"We are thrilled to be part of this meaningful initiative that combines the power of music with the spirit of giving back to our community," said Donal Rowan. "Through our voices and performances, we hope to inspire generosity and support for those who need it most."

The charity concert will be held at 8pm on Saturday, July 6 in the Rustic Inn. Tickets are available for purchase from The Rustic Inn Abbeyshrule, Mollaghans Shop Longford, Whyte’s Supermarket Legan, The Alzheimer’s Society Office Longford or from any committee member. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a night of beautiful music while contributing to a worthy cause.
For further information, please contact 086 822 6894 or any committee member.

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