he award-winning Glór na dTonn Céilí Band hosted a fantastic fundraising concert in February in support of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Organised in loving memory of Paul and Linda Judge, the All-Ireland winning Céilí Band were joined on the night by The Bofield Céilí Band, with hundreds gathering for the special event.
Ballina, the event provided an extraordinary night of music, community spirit and generosity, with an impressive €25,594 raised. From the moment the first tune began, there was an electric atmosphere in the room, and what unfolded was far more than a concert; it was a celebration of friendship, tradition and community through music, song and dance.
Memorably, Paul and Linda Judge’s son and daughter, Alan and Róisín, performed two reels on stage at the sold-out concert. It was a truly special addition to the evening, and undoubtedly, Paul and Linda would have been so proud of them both.
An incredibly generous audience, those in attendance not only purchased tickets but also gave donations and supported a lively raffle that ran throughout the evening. Every contribution, large and small, played its part in pushing the total well beyond expectations.
All funds raised will go directly towards the essential services provided by Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, supporting patients and families across the region with compassionate palliative care.
The success of the event was also attributed to the seamless organisation behind the scenes. Furthermore, The Great National Hotel in Ballina was praised for its hospitality and professionalism, providing an ideal setting for the occasion. Sound and lighting were expertly managed by John and Maria McHugh, while Deirdre Barry and Laura McShane received special mention for their efficiency and good humour while overseeing the raffle and keeping proceedings running smoothly.
The Bofield Céilí Band took to the stage for the first half of the evening, showcasing the extraordinary talent within the Ballina area. Needless to say, the band’s energy and musicianship had the crowd engaged from the outset. After a short interval, the 2025 All-Ireland Céilí Band Champions, Glór na dTonn, took to the stage to rapturous applause, truly bringing the house down with their music, songs and good humour.
Among those in attendance were Minister Dara Calleary and Hospice CEO Martina Jennings, both of whom spoke about the critical importance of hospice services within the community. Their words underlined the impact that the funds raised will have on families throughout Mayo and Roscommon.
Gratitude was also extended to the many local businesses who contributed prizes for the raffle, adding further momentum to the fundraising efforts.
As the final notes sounded and the crowd began to disperse, there was a shared sense that something special had taken place. The €25,594 raised stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with generosity and a shared purpose – creating not only vital funds for hospice care, but lasting memories for all who attended.
