By Paul McElwee

THE ‘band family’ of Buíon Cheoil Sinsear Chloich Cheann Fhaola, who recently spent time in New York for the city’s iconic St Patrick’s Day celebrations, have extended a deep and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone in the local community and across Donegal who leant their support in making the trip a reality.

A journey which, at times, felt impossible due to a period in February which the band describes at ‘difficult and emotional’ was made possible due to the unwavering encouragement, generosity and kindness from so many in the form of donations, sponsorships and kind words.

A spokesperson for the band said, “The support we received meant more than we can ever express. You lifted us when we needed it most, and you made this unforgettable experience possible, not just for the band, but for our entire community. Being able to travel to New York, represent our parish with pride, and support our band members through music and camaraderie was truly special. It reminded us of the strength of community, and the power of coming together in difficult times.

“We are proud of what we achieved, and we are deeply grateful to every individual, family, business, and organisation that stood behind us. Go raibh míle maith agaibh ó chroí. You were with us every step of the way.”

The band have an extensive list of sponsors and individuals whom they would like to thank for helping make this St Patrick’s Day trip so special, including, Shamrock Bar, Centra, Strand Bar, Chinese Palace, Maple, Danny Collins, Greene’s Shoes, McGees Service Station, Arasán Bhalor, DNG Kelly, The Cope Falcarragh, Falcarragh Tidy Towns, Banna Ceoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola, Danny Kearney & Sons, Errarooey Tyres, McFadden Civils, Sweeney’s Daewoo, Comhar Creidmheasa, M&N Civils, JMG Travel, McCullagh Plant Hire, Mc Clafferty’s Eurospar, Ostan Loch Altan, Teach Bhillie, Lamha Beaga Montessori, KM Tyres, Coll Autos, Roarty’s Dunlewey, BC Graphics, Sharkey’s Waste, Arranmore Ferry,MOWI, Mc Nutts Downings, Milford Inn Hotel, Rosapenna Hotel, Moyle Plant, County Dry Cleaners, Dunnes Stores, Letterkenny ReadyMix, Street Professional Driver Training, Donegal Oil, Boyd Bros, ProAmpac, Sweeney Scaffolding, New Yorkers Sheila Doohan and Danielle Wolfe and finally Donegal County Council, TG4 and Oideas Gael.