Mayo musicians stage fundraising concert for Gaza
Performers from the first 'Somebody Special' concert which was held in August.
Much-loved concert production Somebody Special is set to return to Claremorris Town Hall Theatre, as a special fundraising concert for Gaza.
Following its phenomenal sell-out success earlier this year, the concert, produced by Hollymount’s Pat McGovern, features some of the best local musicians and singers from Hollymount, Roundfort and Irishtown, performing songs they love in the spirit of friendship, music and community.
The event, which will be staged on Saturday, February 28 (7.30pm), is a joint undertaking between the Somebody Special group and the Claremorris Palestine Solidarity Group. Members of the Mayo branch of the IPSC (Ireland–Palestine Solidarity Campaign) organise weekly peaceful vigils across nine towns, including Claremorris, in solidarity with Palestine.
The original August 2025 concert was an instant success. Tickets sold out within eight days as audiences packed Claremorris Town Hall for a night of music and camaraderie spanning traditional, folk, gospel and bluegrass, enhanced by the graceful contemporary Irish dance of Molly Hughes.
The project grew from McGovern’s association with The Rise and Shine Trust (formerly The Irish Pilgrimage Trust), with whom he has volunteered for more than a decade, helping young adults with additional needs on annual pilgrimages to Lourdes. Inspired by those experiences, and by the friendships forged in local music circles, Pat brought together a group of like-minded musicians and singers to record an album that would both celebrate their shared love of music and support a worthwhile cause.
Recorded at Launchpad LK Studios in Limerick, the album features a wide mix of traditional, folk, gospel and contemporary songs, including the moving title track written by Galway’s Don Stiffe.
The Claremorris Palestine Solidarity Group approached the musicians with the idea of reprising the concert to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Gaza. McGovern and his fellow performers didn’t hesitate for a moment. The performers are Paul Clesham, Sharon McCabe, Michelle Rattigan, Maria Hughes, Aisling McGovern, Niall Hughes, Molly Hughes, Shane Wixted, Luke Coffey and Pat McGovern.
All proceeds from this concert will go to Medical Aid for Palestinians, which works for a future where every Palestinian has access to a comprehensive, effective and locally led system of healthcare, and the full realisation of their rights to health and dignity.
“Images from our weekly vigils are shared widely as hopeful reminders that the people of Palestine are not forgotten. The motivation for the vigils has always been to keep Palestine in the public eye, share information and encourage community and government action. The idea of restaging Somebody Special as a fundraiser grew naturally from this same spirit of solidarity and hope,” said Regina Reilly, member of the Claremorris Palestine Solidarity Group, founded by Édaín Casby.
Said Pat McGovern: “The first concert was something we’ll never forget. When we were asked to bring it back as a fundraiser for Gaza, everyone said yes immediately. We all felt it was something we could do to help, in however small a way. It felt right to do something positive together.” Copies of the Somebody Special CD will also be available to purchase on the night, with proceeds going to the Gaza fund.
Tickets (€27.50, including booking fee) for Somebody Special – A Fundraising Concert for Gaza are available now from Claremorris Town Hall Theatre at 094-93-10999 or online at www.townhall.ie. Tickets could make an ideal Christmas gift this year for someone you love.
Early booking is strongly advised as the previous concert was a complete sell-out, and this return promises to be just as special.
