An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Clr. Niamh Kennedy, has enlisted the talents of two of Donegal’s most iconic performers – Moya Brennan of Clannad and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan – to jointly host a concert in support of Donegal Domestic Violence Services.
The event, billed as ‘An Evening with Moya Brennan and Mairéad Ni Mhaonaigh’, will take place at An Grianán Theatre on Friday, April 18th next.
It will also feature performances by The Friel Sisters, actor and playwright Maura Logue, up and coming Gaoth Dobhair singer-songwriter Larabel and the Danú Young Womens Choir among others.
Speaking earlier this week, Cathaoirleach Kennedy outlined the reasons why she is taking this initiative at this particular time.
She said “As Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council this term, I felt that it was important to highlight and discuss the very serious issue of domestic violence and abuse. The courage it takes for people to break the silence and to walk away is tremendous.
“To take the bravest steps in your lives to protect yourself and your dependents. The stigma and fear of judgement is all-consuming, and I feel it’s time for us all to support one another.
“I very much admire the work of the domestic violence services and whilst there are safe places for people in an emergency, there aren’t enough and we need to do more to support vulnerable people.
“With respect and dignity, we will chose to encourage people to come forward, break the stigma, show no tolerance to any abuser and protect and empower one another.
“I am hosting this concert with Moya and Mairéad as an awareness event to help break the stigma and empower people and to raise funds for Donegal Domestic Violence Services to enable them to provide safe homes for families and individuals who need that protection, until they find their strength to move on.”
Dr. Marie Hainsworth, CEO of Donegal Domestic Violence Services, welcomed An Cathaoirleach’s initiative.
She said “I would like to say how grateful I am that Cllr. Niamh Kennedy in her role as Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council has chosen to highlight the importance of raising awareness of domestic abuse in County Donegal.
“It is an issue that nationally has received a lot of attention over the last few years, but it is also important to remember that it is a local issue as well.
“In Donegal in 2024, we worked with 300 families across the county impacted by domestic abuse and more than 60 families were given emergency accommodation through our services.
“The more we can talk about it, both to encourage victims to come forward and perpetrators to access support, the greater chance we have of reducing the awful impact this has on families.’
Tickets for An Cathaoirleach’s Concert with Moya Brennan and Mairéad Ni Mhaonaigh and Guests, priced €25, are now available in person at An Grianán Theatre Box Office, Port Road, Letterkenny. Also, Tel. Booking on T: 074.9120777 and Online at : www.angrianan.com
