SVC OPENING NIGHT OF CELEBRATION

SORCHA CROWLEY ATTENDED THE ‘ SPIRIT OF SLIGO’ GALA CONCERT

THE very best of Sligo’s musical talent came out in a tour de force at the Knocknarea Arena last Friday night to usher in Sligo’s year as European Capital of Volunteering 2017.

Artists such as violinist Niamh Crowley, composer and harpist Michael Rooney and their orchestras lifted the ceiling with jubilant overtures, while local solicitor Edmund Henry provided some contrast with eloquent recitals of Yeats poetry.

Singer Niamh Farrell’s haunting rendition of ‘ Amhráin na Feidearthachta’ was a highlight of the ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ show. The concert also featured local pianist Kieran Quinn, Sligo Gospel Choir and Tommie Gorman who introduced Michael Rooney’s Sligo Suite.

An audience of over 1,000 people packed the arena, many of them volunteers and representatives of volunteer organisations from all over Sligo.

Guest of honour Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan shared his own personal connections with Sligo - he was married in Rosses Point over 30 years ago because his wife’s family from Galway had a long tradition of holidaying in Sligo, one which Charlie and his wife continue to this day.

“I hope to be out early on Streedagh beach for a long walk,” he said.

“Irish people have always helped their neighbours, it’s a part of who we are,” he told the audience.

In a little aside, Minister Flanagan made reference to the recent furore over hotelier Francis Brennan’s comments about Sligo, by saying “I also believe Sligo people work very hard” which earned him a spontaneous round of applause.

MEP Marian Harkin gave an overview of the title of European Capital of Volunteering before the start of the second part of the show.

“This is a fitting start for what we hope will be a year to remember,” she said.

The MEP, who played a pivotal role in the creation of the European Capital of Volunteering Programme, said volunteering “helps us find dignity as human beings as we know we can make a difference” in a world where there is little within our control. “For every € 1 we invest in volunteering the return is between € 7- 8,” she said.

Sligo takes over the role from London which held the designation in 2016 and aims to showcase and celebrate acts of volunteering in all its forms and encourage people across Ireland and Europe to volunteer.

Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, Ciarán Hayes, said: “The strength and resilience of a community reflects the range and depth of volunteering activity within that community.

“Starting with this spectacular opening event to acknowledge and celebrate volunteerism, it will continue throughout the year with events organised by both local and national organisations. And not willing to retain all the secrets to success, we will share the lessons learned so that other communities can similarly benefit,” he said.

Sligo Gospel Choir singing at the ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ Concert.

( L- R): Noelle Cawley Fáilte Ireland, Cllr. Marie Casserly, Ciara Heraghty Sligo Volunteer Centre and Maria Gallo at the ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ Concert in the Knocknarea Arena at IT Sligo. Pic: Carl Brennan.

( L- R): Clr. Declan Bree, Chris MacManus and Clr. Sean MacManus at the ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ Concert.

Local and Foreign dignitaries at a civic reception in IT Sligo to mark the start of Sligo’s Year as European Capital of Volunteering. Left: Niamh Crowley conducting Sligo Academy of Music Sinfonietta Orchestra during the Gala Celebration.

MC Bartley Gavin, Cathaoirleach Cllr Hubert Keaney, Minister Charlie Flanagan, Deputy Tony McLoughlin and MEP Marian Harkin at the ‘ Spirit of Sligo’ Gala Concert last Friday night.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Hubert Keaney, Director of the European Volunteer Centre Gabriella Civico and Chief Executive of Sligo County Council Ciarán Hayes sign a Memo of Understanding.