STARS from the world of country music will gather on Saturday to help fulfil Máire Rua Gallagher’s final dream.
Daniel O’Donnell, Lisa McHugh, Dominic Kirwan and Hugo Duncan are just some of the names set to perform with all proceeds going to Coiste Ionad Óige Ghaoth Dobhair.
Noted for her tireless charity work and her adoration of Daniel O’Donnell, Máire Rua became a celebrity in her own right.
She passed away in January at the age of 91 but during her colourful life she long campaigned to have a dedicated, purpose built youth centre in the heart of Gaoth Dobhair. In a bid to further the project she even chose to donate money from her 90th birthday to the cause.
The memorial event in her honour takes place on June 26 and will be streamed live via Facebook.
Helping organise it and also set to perform is singer and radio personality Gary Gamble.
“We are hoping to raise much-needed funds for Coiste Ionad Óige Ghaoth Dobhair and the youth club that was so close to Máire Rua’s heart,” said Gary.
“The group aims to establish a purpose built, state-of-the-art youth centre in the heart of Gaoth Dobhair which was Máire Rua’s dream.
HAPPIER TIMES…Máire Rua and supporters in 2019 preparing for a charity bed push.
“She was a very charitable woman and for more than 22 years she helped raise over €100,000 for different causes.”
Gary Gamble said that Máire Rua always had a great affinity with young people and firmly believed in the contribution they could make to society.
“She constantly praised and supported young people and regularly drew attention to the lack of suitable services and provisions available to them,” he said.
Many of today’s Irish music stars owe a gratitude to the west Donegal woman who championed them at every opportunity, according to Gary Gamble. Saturday’s concert is their way of repaying her kindness.
“Now we have the chance to return the compliment and help raise some funds for a cause that meant so much to her,” he added.
Saturday’s tribute concert starts at 8pm and can be watched on Facebook. A Go Fund Me page – https://ie.gofundme.com/f/mairerua – has been set up for anyone wishing to donate online. Alternatively you can contact either 07495 32949 or 0868259752 to arrange payment. Or you can drop into Ionad Naomh Pádraig Dobhar.
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