Special raffle to support Mayo's Sunflower Children’s Hospice

The inaugural Bound for Canada: A Musical Journey from Hardship to Hope fundraiser for Mayo's Sunflower Children’s Hospice delivered a truly unforgettable experience, bringing audiences to their feet in the Ballina Arts Centre.

All proceeds from both evenings will go to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, supporting the building of the Sunflower Children’s Hospice – Ireland’s first children’s hospice on the western seaboard.

The show was appropriately held in Ballina, the home of the Dunford family, as Kevin Dunford was three weeks short of his ninth birthday when he sadly died in 2014. His life, values and legacy were a central inspiration behind the children’s hospice, and audiences gathered over two unforgettable nights to support what was the inaugural fundraiser for the project.

The audiences were treated to a music extravaganza telling the incredibly beautiful story of the Irish contribution to building and shaping modern Canada.

The talented ensemble featured Sibéal, Hubert Francis, Ellen Fair, Odhrán Ó Casaide, Dr. Claire Fitch, the Garda Band conducted by Inspector Pat Kenny, and St. Muredach’s Cathedral Choir, led by Regina Deacy, delivering unforgettable, breathtaking performances.

A special fundraising raffle was launched during the Ballina performances and will run online until Friday, February 13. Tickets purchased at the event will be included in the raffle draw.

Thanks to the generous support of TELUS Digital Ballina, the grand prize is a €5,000 luxury voucher for five-star Dromoland Castle Hotel. Other prizes include a rare and highly sought-after Masters flag signed by 2025 champion Rory McIlroy and two tickets for Take That in the Aviva Stadium on July 4.

Tickets cost €20 each or €50 for three, with all proceeds supporting the Sunflower Children’s Hospice. Enter the raffle at https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/SunflowerChildrensHospice.

The winner will be announced at a table quiz on Friday, February 13, at 8 p.m. in The Cot & Cobble, Ballina.

Mayo Roscommon Hospice, who are developing Sunflower Children's Hospice, would like to extend warmest thanks extend to everyone involved, especially Tommy Marren, who masterfully hosted both evenings. Special appreciation goes to all event partners, including TELUS Digital, Kenaidan, Ballina Arts Centre, Ballina Manor Hotel, Midwest Radio, Event Audio Visual, Mayo County Council, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Connacht Bottlers, Noo Chocolates, Claire’s Kitchen and Doherty’s Daybreak, whose support made this extraordinary event possible.

Special guests on the evening included His Excellency Dennis King, Canadian Ambassador, accompanied by his wife Jana Hemphill; Minister Dara Calleary; Senator Mark Duffy; Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Seán Carey; Robert G. Kearns, founding chair, Canada Ireland Foundation; and Mark Purdy, chair, Canada Ireland Foundation.

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “I would like to thank everyone who made this inaugural fundraiser possible. From performers, production teams and volunteers, the scale of goodwill and collaboration was extraordinary.

“I am especially grateful to our event partners, whose generosity and belief in the project were instrumental in bringing Bound for Canada to life in Ballina and ensuring meaningful impact for hospice care. I would also like to thank TELUS Digital Ballina for their very generous raffle prize.”

Joanne Grehan, director of services with Mayo County Council, added: “This was a truly memorable event, and I would like to sincerely thank the people of Ballina and Mayo for embracing this inaugural fundraiser with such warmth and generosity.

“It also showcased the deep and enduring ties between Canada and Mayo – connections built on shared history, values, and a spirit of opportunity that continues to inspire collaboration today. What made these concerts so special was the way our entire community came together – families, businesses, performers, volunteers, and partners – with our children and young people at the heart of our fundraising efforts.

“Their future, their care, and their potential are the reason we do this. Once again, Mayo can stand tall in helping to deliver this much-needed service to the western seaboard. We are proud to play our part and excited for what comes next.”