Iconic local musician Barney McDaid is celebrating his 80th birthday this week by giving back to the community.
Barney celebrated the big 8-0 with friends, family and Letterkenny neighbours.
The community man loves nothing more than to lift people’s spirits with music. This week, to mark his milestone birthday, he decided to share his talents once again to raise vital funds for the Donegal Hospice.
Barney’s big birthday bash at Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair last Friday brought back his ‘Barney and the Circle‘ trio. The evening was a huge success, with guests all enjoying a glimpse of how fantastic Barney and the Circle were in their hey day.
Barney and the Circle Reunion Bash. Photo by Annie Biddie
Barney’s daughter Bri Carr said: “Our audience was at capacity, and in fine voice as they all joined in word for word every song, laughed with all the yarns, jokes and stories, and warmly celebrated Dad’s birthday on a glorious summer’s end evening in Gaoth Dobhair. He said last night that he’s already looking forward to his 90th!”
Those who missed the concert are in for a treat this evening (31st August), as the entire show will be streamed on YouTube from 7pm at this link: BARNEY & THE CIRCLE BIG 80 BIRTHDAY BASH
Special guests included Hugo Daly, Tommy Daly, Patrick Doherty, Noel Sweeney, Anne Biddie, Brí & Caela Carr, Fergus Cleary, Michael Hayes, Martin Mullen, Sheila & John McElhinney, Seamus McGee, Aine Ní Churrain. Concert videoed by Paddy McDaid and edited by Bri Carr Music.
A fundraising draw is also running until Thursday 8th September, and the cheque presentation will be the day after the final closure of Donegal Hospice website donations, 26th October, in Donegal Hospice.
There’s still time to wish Barney a big happy birthday if you would like to donate to his fundraising page: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/waw22
