Northern Ireland

West Belfast family raise more than £17,000 for Northern Ireland Hospice through lockdown gigs from garden shed

Andersonstown's Clann Mhic Corraidh played music sessions in their shed and broadcasted them live on social media. Pictured are Fiona, Sean Óg, Fionnuala and Sean. Picture by Mal McCann
Andersonstown's Clann Mhic Corraidh played music sessions in their shed and broadcasted them live on social media. Pictured are Fiona, Sean Óg, Fionnuala and Sean. Picture by Mal McCann Andersonstown's Clann Mhic Corraidh played music sessions in their shed and broadcasted them live on social media. Pictured are Fiona, Sean Óg, Fionnuala and Sean. Picture by Mal McCann

A west Belfast teacher and his family have raised more than £17,000 for the Northern Ireland Hospice through a series of lockdown gigs from their garden shed.

Seán Óg Mac Corraidh, a teacher at Bunscoil Phobal Feirste on the Shaw's Road, and his father Seán, mother Fiona and sister Fionnuala were moved to act after seeing what the hospice had done for their aunt Kellie McConville, who died there two years ago.

Sean, who plays the banjo, and his father, who plays guitar, are both well-known folk singers and perform regular gigs.

When lockdown came into force, the pair began to perform from the garden shed at their home at Owenvarragh Park in Andersonstown and stream the music online.

Such was the response that mum Fiona was brought on board to help with song requests while Fionnuala was also asked to join in with her concertina.

When Sean Óg turned 31 last month, instead of gifts he asked for donations to the Northern Ireland Hospice via Facebook.

Those watching the gigs then began donating and soon £12,000 had been raised.

The family were then asked by Antrim GAA to stream a performance on its Facebook page and the total rose to £17,333.

Sean Óg said the family are very thankful for the kindness of those who gave money.

"It just feels like giving back," he said.

"I saw first hand what the hospice does for people. I was really dumbfounded by their kindness and how they treated patients in there.

"People are just so kind. Especially the people in west Belfast. Just a big thanks."

Hospice director Mary McCall congratulated Seán and his family on their "amazing fundraising efforts".

"The Northern Ireland Hospice's ability to raise funds has been hugely impacted by this pandemic but Clann Mhic Corraidh stepped forward during this period, and in doing so have made a huge difference for the hospice and I’m sure everyone enjoyed the music," she said.