Huge turnout for Carers Concert

The Mullingar Carers Concert had some new people behind the mic this year and some new performers joined those that have supported it for years to put together one of the most successful events to date.

Behind the mic, the team putting it all together were led by Camillus Egerton and Chris Loughrey, who took over from Billy Mac for this year, and they are delighted with how the night went, and that Billy was present and was on stage to perform two numbers.

The veteran singer was just one of a top class lineup of local talent at the Greville Arms on Tuesday night of last week.

Camillus and Chris made a few changes to put their mark on the concert, but they didn’t stray far from Billy Mac’s formula of providing a great night of entertainment. The stars who did that were Simon Casey, TR Dallas, Dave Lawlor, Matt Leavy, Ciaran Rosney, The Rosneys, Camillus’s band Heads Up, Joe Connaire, Michaela Hogg and Joe Cooney, all backed up by The Tennessee Breakdown Band.

Chris opened the night and that number was followed by an interview with him and Camillus, conducted by John Corroon (MC), reviewing the background to the concert, how they have taken over from Billy Mac and their plans for future years.

Camillus and Chris are delighted with how the night went, and expressed their thanks to everyone who contributed to it, from the performers to the organising team, the volunteers, the staff at the local Family Carers office and at the Greville Arms.

Speaking last Wednesday, the day after the concert, Camillus said the performers enjoyed the night as much as the capacity audience: “This morning I was talking to one of the artists, who rang me and complimented us on the great success of it and said that next year if we’re looking for an artist to put him down.”

They have the date booked already: March 31, 2026.

“People are so good and so generous with their time and money,” said Camillus, extending thanks from him and Chris to everyone who supported the night.

Amy Kelly, support manager community at Family Carers Ireland (whose local office is on Castle Street), said there is one important element she noticed before, during and after this year’s Mullingar Carers Concert.

“It was a fantastic night, and everyone in Family Carers Ireland really appreciates all the support from the community and the surrounding areas, and what really stood out to me was the sense of community in Mullingar – it all came together to support family carers in the area. It’s great.”

She said they are already looking forward to next year’s event and added her thanks to the many who contributed to this year’s: “The artists and the band, who gave their time, the Greville Arms Hotel, Fagan Print and Design, who sponsored the tickets and the posters for the night, the MC, and we had a great a great number of volunteers, putting together hampers beforehand, and on the night as well – on the door, selling raffle tickets, Family Carers staff.

And the important part is: “This will enable us to continue to provide support and services to family carers.”

When the funds are gathered and counted, the Family Carers will arrange a handover presentation and announce the amount.