Northern Ireland

West Belfast fundraising family hailed as `inspirational' by President Michael D Higgins

Seán Óg Mac Corraidh with the letter of praise from President Michael D Higgins for his family's fundraising efforts. Picture by Mal McCann
Seán Óg Mac Corraidh with the letter of praise from President Michael D Higgins for his family's fundraising efforts. Picture by Mal McCann Seán Óg Mac Corraidh with the letter of praise from President Michael D Higgins for his family's fundraising efforts. Picture by Mal McCann

A family who raised more than £17,000 for the Northern Ireland Hospice by performing lockdown gigs from their shed have been praised by President Michael D Higgins for their "inspirational" efforts.

Seán Óg Mac Corraidh, a teacher at Bunscoil Phobal Feirste in west Belfast, came together with his father Seán, mother Fiona and sister Fionnuala, 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 gig regularly.

When the Covid-19 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.

The response was so great that mum Fiona was brought onboard to help with song requests and sister Fionnuala was asked to join in with her concertina.

A total of £17,300 was raised and presented to the Northern Ireland Hospice who praised the family's "amazing fundraising efforts".

This week the family also received a letter from President Michael D Higgins which noted their "creative" way of raising money.

He found out about their fundraising when Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile sent him a copy of an Irish News story.

In his letter, President Higgins said he had recently learned about the "inspirational work you did to raise money for the NI Hospice".

"Organising online gigs is a very creative way of bringing people together during lockdown.

"I know also that you raised a large sum of money for the hospice and I am sure that the funds will go a long way in helping the hospice and give peace of mind to those who have relatives in the hospice."

He added: "As President of Ireland, I take great pleasure in hearing positive stories like this and that things like this are happening throughout the island of Ireland and that they are having a positive effect on our communities.

"I wish you all the very best".

Seán Óg said his mother was "well chuffed" by the letter.

"My mummy was screaming," he said.

"We are very proud to be Irish and just happy to get the recognition that we deserve."

The 31-year-old added: "That piece of paper means much more than any material you could get."