City Hall to host concert in support of Defence Forces Benevolent Fund

Tickets are on sale for a special massed bands concert in Cork’s City Hall, the proceeds from which will go to the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund.

This fund supports former members of the Defence Forces who may find themselves in financial or other difficulties.

The concert will take place on Friday, February 20, at 8pm and will feature personnel from the Bands of 1st Brigade, 2nd Brigade, and the Army No.1 Band.

As is traditional, the concert will also feature Defence Forces pipers and drummers.

The guest artist this year is Cork’s Molly Lynch, who has enjoying a successful career in Britain and has performed in numerous musical theatre roles in London’s West End.

Although Molly has sung for Cork audiences before, this year’s concert will be her debut performance with the Bands of the Defence Forces.

General Officer Commanding 1st Brigade, Brigadier General Caimin Keogh said he was delighted that this debut is happening in such a magnificent venue as Cork City Hall.

He said the concert is a popular fixture in Cork’s musical and cultural calendar, which is always well supported by a loyal audience. The concert will also showcase the outstanding musicians of the Defence Forces School of Music.

In addition to this concert, on Tuesday, February 24, the Defence Forces Bands will stage a special concert for primary school children.

The schools concert usually takes place before the main event, but not so this year due to mid-term break.

More than 40 schools in the Cork area were contacted and a fantastic response was received.

Brig Gen Keogh said almost 1,000 children will attend the concert that morning which also takes place in City Hall.

On stage for this year’s concert will be conductors Captain Ben Jacob and Captain Willie Chester.

Concert tickets are available at 1000 in Merchant’s Quay Shopping Centre and will be on sale until Friday. Tickets are €30 for balcony, €20 front parterre and €10 back parterre.