Laois convent graduates fundraise for music and grinds school
A group of Laois convent school graduates are holding a fun fundraiser in aid of a new school for music and grinds where they used to board.
Ladies who went to the Brigidine convent in Mountrath have reunited to raise money to convert bedrooms and classrooms into a School for Music and Grinds.
The school will be on the first floor of the convent, now transformed into a thriving community and business hub in Mountrath after it was donated by the Brigidine Sisters to the local community in 2017.
There’s fun and fundraising on the table this coming June 24, organised by The Class of 1990 Restoration Project.
They hope to open the new music and grind school in the autumn.
The night will feature plenty of brain teasing, refreshments and prizes and the committee are hoping that as many quizzers as possible will get their thinking caps on and take part for a cause which will greatly benefit the local community.
Work is underway by the Mountrath Community Forum, working closely with the Class of 1990.
A number of rooms are being kitted out to host in-demand music lessons and provide a space for extra tuition for students.
The money raised will all go to ensure that the new space is up to the same high spec as other renovations in the old convent and school.
The idea to raise funds to aid the building’s restoration and help bring it to life again, came about following the Class of 1990’s first ever reunion in January of this year.
Buoyed by the success of the event which was attended by well over half the class, the group decided to carry on the reunion spirit and work to give something back.
Helen Moorehouse is a member of the Class of 1990.
“Our reunion group is full of women with immense achievement and capability under their belts so we thought why not put that to good use.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes for the last few months making plans and now we’re so excited to host our first event. Of course, the last time we answered questions in St Philomena’s Hall they were on our Leaving Cert papers. We think our quiz will be a lot more craic somehow, and all for a great cause, very close to our hearts.
“In our time as students, music was an enormous part of the school culture - Christmas carol services, school assemblies, the school orchestra and of course the annual musical. We’re so excited that our fundraising will benefit the new School of Music. We’re very proud to pay tribute to the Brigidine traditions of music and learning, and determined to create something meaningful for future generations of young people,” the committee rep said.
Participants are invited to register early for tables (€40 per table of 4) by emailing [email protected]