Famous Mayo musicians to perform at Westport Christmas charity concert
A Grand Celtic Christmas at St Mary’s Church will raise funds for Vincentian Lay Missionaries
Acclaimed Mayo musicians Emer Mayock and David Munnelly will join performers from Ireland and Scotland for a special Christmas charity concert in Westport next month.
‘A Grand Celtic Christmas’ will take place at St Mary’s Church on Thursday, December 17, at 7pm, bringing together musicians and singers for an evening of traditional tunes, choral music, solo performances, duets and festive melodies.
Castlebar musician Emer Mayock, an internationally recognised flute and uilleann pipes player, will perform alongside Belmullet-born accordionist David Munnelly, who has shared stages with The Chieftains and De Dannan.
The concert is being organised entirely in aid of Vincentian Lay Missionaries (VLM), an Irish charity supporting education and sustainable development projects for marginalised communities in Africa.
Fr Michael McCullagh, founder of VLM, said the organisation was delighted that St Mary’s Church was hosting the event. The concert will be the first of its kind in Mayo, with organisers hoping it will become an annual celebration.
“Our motto is ‘Do one thing, do something’. By joining us and sharing our tradition with our Celtic cousins, you will be contributing greatly to our developmental work,” Fr McCullagh said.
The event has received support from musicians, singers and volunteers who have offered their time and services to help bring the concert together.
“I've been touched by the wonderful generosity of spirit from musicians, singers, sound and lighting engineers, marketing, advertising people and many more who have so kindly offered their services for free. It really makes a world of a difference,” said Peter Devers, a Scottish volunteer with VLM who lives in Westport.
Organisers are encouraging people to attend and enjoy an evening celebrating Celtic music and Christmas traditions while supporting VLM’s international development work.
Tickets cost €20, with all proceeds going directly towards the charity’s projects supporting communities in Africa.
Tickets are available from Seamus Duffy Bookshop in Westport, by contacting Peter Devers on 087 798 9253, or online through Eventbrite.