Irish Night for church repairs will honour legacy of late Mayo islander
A SPECIAL Irish Night concert is taking place to support Inishbiggle's Holy Trinity Church repairs and honouring the request of late islander, Christy Henry.
Local Achill, Ballycroy and Mulranny residents and visitors are invited to join in an evening of music and community spirit at the Irish Night, taking place at Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel) on bank holiday Monday, May 6, at 8 p.m.
This special event holds particular significance as it honours the request of Inishbiggle’s late Christy Henry for this concert to raise money to help with necessary repairs to Inishbiggle's historic Holy Trinity Church.
The idea for the concert arose during a meeting between Christy and singer James Kilbane, just a week before Christy's untimely passing.
Christy's passion for his community and dedication to preserving its heritage will be honoured through an evening of entertainment.
Christy was anxious to raise money as the church roof, eaves and inside floor need attention. He stressed that the small community valued the church as their location of worship and a centre for the community to gather.
The church itself is part of the Church of Ireland, however it is also consecrated that Roman Catholic services can take place there.
Achill Island and Ballycroy has always had a strong bond with the people of Inishbiggle and everyone knew Christy. The concert also needed the involvement of the local Church of Ireland Rector, Suzanne Cousins, who had met Christy before his sad passing.
Said Revd. Cousins: “I made my first trip to Inishbiggle on July 27, 2023. On the day my parishioners and I were met by Christy with other islander friends. We went straight to the church to survey its condition and then to celebrate the Eucharist.
“The building looked a little ‘sad’, to put it mildly, and the need for attention inside and out was evident.
“I believe there are times when we are given glimpses of light and hope that shine and lighten the darkness, and this concert, which has come as a result of Christy’s wish, is an example.
“Those of us from the Church of Ireland community with responsibility for keeping this special, historically significant little church fit for the purpose of worship and gathering are enormously grateful to James Kilbane, his team, fellow singers and Cathal McLoughlin of the hotel who are giving generously of their time to this end. I am looking forward to meeting many in Achill Sound on the night.”
Inspired by Christy's community commitment, James Kilbane along with other local singers, Grainne Madden, Michael Mac, Pat Molloy, Rory McGinty, Tom McGinty and Cian McNamara, have volunteered their talents to create a memorable night filled with Irish ballads, memories, and some country classics. All the artists have shared a connection with Christy over the years.
Tickets are priced at €15 and are available from post offices in Achill Sound, Mulranny and Ballycroy, as well as Keel shop, The Islander, Alfa at Meg’s, MacSavers and Óstán Oileán Acla. Additionally, tickets are available from Revd. Suzanne at (083) 8003233.
Doors will open at 7.30 p.m., starting at 8 pm. There will also be a raffle.