Fureys headline concert for Lucy
A major concert in aid of four-year-old Lucy Thompson from Glenview Heights, Mullingar, is planned for Mullingar Arts Centre on Easter Saturday, April 8, featuring such big names as George and Eddie Furey, Good Strangers and local band Some One’s Sons.
Lucy was born with Zellweger syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which is progressive and incurable. Lucy’s story has touched the hearts of many, as seen from the enormous public response to various fundraising appeals. Already, more than €100,000 has been raised on the Lucy’s Lifeline iDonate fundraising page along with funds raised by clubs and individuals around the county.
Lucy is now Honorary Garda Lucy Thompson, the latest Little Blue Hero to join the ranks of An Garda Síochána. She received her uniform from Garda Fiona Walsh and Garda Neil Donellan of the Mullingar Community Policing Unit.
St Loman’s GAA, Mullingar recently raised almost €3,000 in a bring and buy sale instigated by senior ladies players Ciara Blundell and Julie McLoughlin and organised by Tony Robinson.
Earlier this year, Tommy Claffey and family from Ballinagore donated two Dutch spotted cross ewe lambs for a raffle that raised €4,275. Runner-up prizes were donated by Pat Coyne Vet Farm (two prizes) and J Greenan and Sons.
Sarah Kiernan of Icon Management, and a close friend of Lucy’s mother Carla, ran a Buy a Brick raffle and local girl Brodie O’Neill did a sponsored haircut, and donated all proceeds to Lucy’s Lifeline.
The Mullingar Arts Centre gig will add to the funds already raised to adapt the Thompsons’ conventional two-storey home to meet Lucy’s needs.
Lucy’s parents Kris and Carla are overwhelmed by the generosity of so many “from local schools, local GAA clubs, online giveaways, local raffles, bucket collections, all the different classes run in aid of Lucy”. It is thanks to them that we can now adapt our home to cater for Lucy’s needs”, Carla stated.
Lucy is wheelchair dependent and PEG tube fed. She needs a downstairs bedroom and wetroom with space for her electric bed, pressure relieving mattress and ceiling hoist, as well as storage space for all her medical supplies and equipment.
Lucy also needs an accessible kitchen and living space so she can join her family as continue to make happy memories together.
The concert, on April 8, will feature George and Eddie Furey, whose emotive songs always evoke tears, laughter, sadness and joy.
Some One’s Sons are a traditional Irish folk band from Mullingar who have grown in popularity due to their energetic performances of trad classics, rich harmonies and charismatic and lively sets, as well as their delicate and passionate renditions of ballads.
Good Strangers have been together since 2013. Having emerged from a rock band setup, they have taken a twist through implementing drum machines, heavy bass, luscious guitar and synth alongside soulful vocals to create a retro-modern feel.
Tickets are now on sale from Mullingar Arts Centre 044 934 7777 for what promises to be a lively and entertaining evening.