Claremorris set to rally for Brenda Grealis at benefit dance this Thursday

THE south Mayo community is set to come together this Thursday, May 7, for a major benefit dance in support of well-known Mayo musician Brenda Grealis.

The event will take place at the McWilliam Park Hotel, with music from 9 to 11.30 p.m.

Brenda, a talented singer and harpist from Callow, Foxford, now living in Turlough, Castlebar, with her husband Peter and their four children, was diagnosed last November with a rare and severe form of Stiff Person Syndrome known as PERM. The condition has had a profound impact on her life and brought her professional music career to an end.

Brenda has been in hospital for almost six months and is currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the Sacred Heart Hospital.

Work has now begun on adapting her home, including making it wheelchair accessible and installing a wet room to support her return. Alongside this, there are ongoing medical and care needs, which continue to place a significant financial burden on the family.

Thursday night’s dance promises to be a great night of music and community spirit.

Music will be provided by Kenneth Doyle & Streetwise with friends Monica Naughton, Jonathan Staunton and Declan Carroll and very special guest Mick Mulhern.

A large raffle will take place on the night, featuring a range of fantastic prizes generously donated by local businesses, including a two-night stay with dinner in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel and also a fantastic voucher for Ashford Castle.

There will also be a door prize of a two-night stay in the McWilliam Park Hotel and a bottle of prosecco.

Tickets are €20 and are available from reception at the McWilliam Park Hotel, at outlets across the county, and online via Eventbrite. Organisers have also confirmed that tickets will be available at the hotel on the night.

A family spokesperson expressed sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Brenda in recent months.

“With just days to go, we would really encourage people to come out on Thursday night. Every person there will help bring Brenda one step closer to home.”