Moy Singers' concert will raise funds for historic Ballina project
Pictured at the launch of the fundraising initiative were, from left: Geraldine McKenzie, Secretary, Moy Singers; Cllr Mark Duffy, Chairperson, Ballina Convent Regeneration Project; Mona Jackson, Chairperson, Moy Singers; David Murphy, University of Notre Dame Church Property initiative; Fr Aidan O’Boyle, Committee Member, Ballina Convent Regeneration Project; Vincent Lang, Secretary, Ballina Convent Regeneration Project; Minister Dara Calleary.
The Moy Singers are delighted to support the Ballina Convent Regeneration Project this year from the proceeds of the raffle at their Carols by Candlelight Christmas concert on Friday, November 22nd, in the Great National Hotel Ballina, and their charity street singing on Lower Pearse Street, Ballina on Saturday, December 14th.
From their arrival in Ballina in 1851, the Sisters of Mercy devoted their lives to health, education and social good in the Ballina community. The Sisters led the delivery of ambitious projects including the opening of St Joseph’s Hospital as well as Scoil Iosa National School and St Mary’s Secondary School.
On completion, the Convent Regeneration Project will return the use of this beautiful building to the people of Ballina.
In support of the Convent Regeneration Project and the Moy Singers Charity donation, Cllr Annie May Reape said: "I am delighted to be associated with this wonderful venue and was pleased to be in a position to allocate my General Municipal Allocation funding to the facility. I am particularly happy to see our own Moy Singers be the first local group to support the project with their charity donation from their upcoming Christmas Concert."
Minister Dara Calleary said: “I want to congratulate and thank the Moy Singers for supporting the convent revival initiative. Ballina’s amazing musical talent that is showcased by the Moy Singers has roots in this building and in those generations who taught and those generations who learned there. It is wonderful that the Moy Singers are ensuring the renewal of these important links."
The chairperson of the project, Cllr Mark Duffy, said: “We are honoured that the Moy Singers have chosen the Ballina Convent Regeneration Project as this year's charity partner. The convent revival, on completion, will be a force for good for our community and will help support community groups and organisations as well as those in arts and music such as the Moy Singers.
"All funds raised are used as matched funding for grants which the project receives, meaning that a donation of just €1 can turn into €8 through matched grant funding. We look forward to the upcoming Moy Singers Carols by Candlelight event on November 22nd and charity carol singing on Pearse Street on December 14th and to welcoming the Ballina public into the convent at events which are planned for later this year.”
The chairperson of the Moy Singers, Mona Jackson, said: “This regeneration project will not only revive and restore this historic and iconic convent building in the heart of Ballina town but, on completion, will provide the people of Ballina with a community space for all, while preserving the architectural integrity of this landmark building which dates back to 1867. So far, this ambitious project has created local skilled employment in Ballina and the Moy Singers would like to wish the Ballina Convent Regeneration Project every success with this endeavour, which we are proud to be part of at its inception and look forward to being part of in the future."
