Music and chat lined up for St Vincent’s GAA fundraiser

A MAJOR fundraiser for St Vincent’s GAA, a club “at the heart of the community in Knocknaheeny”, is to take place on March 17, St Patrick’s evening, at the Cork Opera House.

The talent on the night includes baritone Joe Corbett; the St Vincent’s Male Voice Choir; Anthony Cotter, who is part of the renowned White Horse guitar group; local Michelle Fitzgerald, known for her beautiful voice; Lottie O’Driscoll-Murray, who is starting her music career; and the children’s choir from Gaelscoil Pheig Sayers.

There will also be plenty of chat, with All Ireland camogie winning captain, St Vincent’s own Amy O’Connor; Gemma O’Connor, holder of 11 All Stars; along with senior All-Ireland medal holders, Davy Fitzgerald and Donal Óg Cusack.

Eoin Sheahan, presenter from Newstalk’s Off the Ball, will MC the evening, while Kieran McCarthy, the lord mayor, will also be part of the evening.

“It complements St Patrick’s weekend,” club PRO Mick Nugent said.

“It will be the best of Irish music and chat and a showcase for Gaelic games.

“It would really cap off St Patrick’s weekend for people in town that night looking for somewhere to go for a couple of hours of great entertainment,” he added.

Mr Nugent, who is also a Sinn Féin councillor, spoke about the importance of the club in providing an outlet for people of all ages to participate in Gaelic games.

He also described the club as one which takes Irish history seriously, in terms of marking the 1916 Rising every Easter Sunday.

“I think we are more than a club, I think we are an institution in the north west of the city,” he said.

Tickets for the fundraiser are €30 and are available now from members of the senior management committee and the finance and fundraising committee. Tickets booked through the Opera House may incur additional fees.

All proceeds will go towards the upkeep and redevelopment of the facilities in Páirc Uinsinn on Kilmore Road.

“Hopefully, people will support us and, if they support us, we are able to support the wider community and particularly the young people in the area that are looking for an outlet and looking to make friends,” Mr Nugent said.