Special fundraising concert to help secure future of Carrowmenagh Community Centre

Carrowmenagh Community Centre has announced a special fundraising night of music, in what promises to be a red-letter event for your calendar later this month.

‘The Great Entertainers’ concert – which will take place at Moville’s Glencrow Hall on June 27 – is part of an ongoing campaign to help raise €10,000 towards a vital new extension for Carrowmenagh Community Centre.

The rural facility – one of the most important of its type in Inishowen – requires the sum in ‘match funding’, in order to draw down a Community Centre Investment Fund grant for much-needed redevelopment and modernisation works.

The Great Entertainers show will feature some of Inishowen’s most celebrated musical talents – each with over 50 years' experience in the local music scene – including Patsy Cavanagh, Danny McCarron, Bernie McLaughlin, Dominic McDaid, Hugh P Doherty, Anthony McGonigle and Breege Kearney.

As both MC and performer, legendary Greencastle artist Patsy Cavanagh will guide the evening with songs, stories and personal reflections, promising a heartfelt and entertaining night for all.

“Join us for a heartwarming evening of music, memories, and community spirit – and help ensure that your community centre continues to grow and thrive for generations to come,” one of the organisers said.

Located in a remote rural area with no shop, pub nor post office for miles, Carrowmenagh Community Centre serves as a lifeline for many people of all ages.

The centre has raised close to €4,000 of its €10,000 target so far, leaving a shortfall of €6,000-plus to access the grant for expansion. A recent afternoon tea event for 85 people helped contribute a total of €900 for the cause, with special thanks to all the volunteers who helped out, including Charlie Doherty and Anne McDaid for the homebaking.

Carrowmenagh Community Centre continues to offer a wide range of services and activities to address social isolation and support education, including the Tuesday Club, Friday games night, monthly Sunday night dances, and a broad adult education programme.

The former schoolhouse also runs computer training for over-55s and farmers, children’s workshops and summer camps, and it hosts local groups like the Ballinacrae choir, crafts groups, IFA meetings, and festive events, such as Santa’s visit to Carrowmenagh.

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As a newly-designated Broadband Connection Point and Community Digital Hub, the centre also provides digital access and training. Initiatives like IT for Farmers and the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) have significantly improved digital skills and opportunities for local people.

The Great Entertainers concert at Glencrow Hall will get underway at 7.30pm on Friday, June 27. Priced at €10 each, tickets are available from: Carrowmenagh Centre; McKenna Londis, Moville; Moville Post Office; Centra, Moville; McGuinness’ shop, Culdaff; Denis McGuinness, Men's Shed, Moville; or any committee or staff member. All welcome.

For those unable to attend, support can still be shown via Carrowmenagh Community Centre’s ‘GoFundMe’ online campaign: https://gofund.me/07e62725

There’s also a ‘Buy a Block’ campaign: For just €5, supporters may symbolically buy a block in the planned new extension.