Last week, the Clongowes Traditional Irish Music Group was invited to launch ‘Trad for Trócaire’ at its head offices in Maynooth. ‘Trad for Trócaire’ is a national event promoting the use of Irish music sessions as a means of raising money for Trócaire, the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Under the leadership of Ms Catherine Heslin, the Clongowes Trad Group is a collaboration between staff and students across all years and it was a great honour for them to be involved in the launch of a nationwide event for such a good cause. On Thursday 25th, they travelled to Maynooth, where they were warmly greeted by Lisa Byrne, this year’s co-ordinator of ‘Trad for Trócaire’, who gave an enlightening presentation on the importance of the venture.
The musicians then entertained the audience with a lively selection of jigs and reels before the Executive Director of Trócaire, Mr Eamonn Meehan, spoke of the importance of the initative, and joked that it was nice to see that there was more to Clongowes than rugby! After the obligatory photo call, the group settled down to the serious business of tea and cake…
The college Traditional Irish Music Group did their own ‘Trad for Trocaire’ session on Tuesday September 30th. It was a great evening of music and a significant sum was raised for Trocaire on the night. Many thanks to all who attended.
Ms Catherine Heslin