Top line up for special Longford concert in St Brigid's Church, Ardagh

St Brigid’s Church in Ardagh is hosting a concert on Wednesday, June 11 to fundraise for the church funds.

Due to current debts in the parish that Father Vinny Connaughton had inherited, the church would like as many people to attend to help with the efforts. Although Father Vinny has done every effort to get the debt down, work still needs to be done to improve the situation, so the fundraiser is to build some money up for him.

The event has 300 tickets available as maximum capacity. The organisers hope that people will come out and support it to fundraise for St Brigid’s church. Fr Vinny runs four churches. It is encouraged to come and celebrate his anniversary, and also listen to the fantastic artists. Some of the artists are local between Longford and Leitrim. It’s €30 per ticket, it starts at 7pm and should finish at 9:30pm.

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The concert was organised by Pauline Belton and her friend Paul Gurney. The latter ran a concert last year with entertainment such as Patrick Feeney and Charlie McGettigan. Having approached Paul about how Father Vinny would be interested in a concert at the church, the idea came into fruition. They were to have it earlier this year, but when the storm happened, some of the artists changed the dates of their concerts, so it came for June 11, which happens to be Fr Vinny’s 40th anniversary in the priesthood.

All ages are encouraged to come. Two schools, St Mel’s and Scoil Bhríde, Glen are singing on-stage for a small part with Paul Hennessy. The evening is perfect for a family to attend, without it lasting too late in the evening, while being for a good cause.

Other entertainment includes: Patrick Feeney, Charlie McGettigan, Paul Hennessy, Aisling Farrell, Sean Rooney, Paul Gurney, Josephine Dolan, who will also be on the setlist of this fun night.

Tickets are available at Lyons’ Ardagh, Whyte’s Legan, Hanlon’s Gala Ballymahon & Longford, Vaughan’s XL Park Road Longford, or from Betty Finnegan-Farrell (086-3855424) with a thanks for the ticket outlets'.

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Being a full night full of entertainment, its purpose is one that many are encouraged to attend. Father Vinny's 40th anniversary takes place on Sunday, June 15 at a special Parish Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Ardagh at 11:30am. As Fr Vinny has responsibility for Legan & Ballycloghan and Moydow & Ardagh, he would be delighted for as many people as possible join him for this great and happy occasion.

Pauline added that Fr Vinny works “very hard” with his four parishes, and that the fundraiser is to ease many of the difficulties with the church's finances. Despite the storm delaying it, the event has been timed well to coincide with Fr Vinny's longevity in the priesthood.