Benefit dance for Mayo musician suffering rare illness
Musician Brenda Grealis has been diagnosed with a rare medical condition.
There is strong community support building across the county for a benefit dance in aid of Mayo musician Brenda Grealis, which will take place on Thursday, May 7th.
The event will be held in the the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris, with music by Streetwise & Friends from 9pm to 11.30pm.
The night is hoped to attract a large crowd, bringing together friends, neighbours and supporters to raise funds for Brenda’s ongoing care and essential home modifications.
Brenda, a singer and harpist from Callow, Foxford, now living in Turlough, Castlebar with her husband Peter and four children, was diagnosed in November 2025 with Progressive Encephalomyelitis with Rigidity and Myoclonus (PERM), a rare and severe form of Stiff Person Syndrome. This is a very rare neurological illness and has had a profound impact on her life. It has taken away her ability to sing and play, ending her career and source of income.
She is currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the Sacred Heart Hospital. Her family has also confirmed that work has commenced on her home, with key adaptations underway to ensure it is suitable for her needs and to support her return home.
Organisers have described the event as a major fundraising effort and have urged people to support if they can. A large raffle will also take place on the night, with prizes kindly donated by local businesses.
Tickets are €20 and are available from the McWilliam Park Hotel (Claremorris), The Connaught Telegraph and Mulroy’s Londis, Moneen Roundabout (Castlebar), Kennedy’s Eurospar (Swinford), Carrabine’s Centra (Bangor Erris), O’Hara’s Centra (Foxford), and Doherty’s Costcutter, Mulranny Post Office and The Broadhaven Bay Hotel (Belmullet).
A spokesperson for the family expressed sincere thanks to all involved in organising the event.
“The support we have received from the community has been overwhelming and continues to give us great strength,” they said.
Supporters who cannot attend are encouraged to share the fundraiser online.
