Billys lifeline to the carers
The Billy Mac Mega Concert is one of the big nights of the social year in Mullingar, one that hundreds of regulars look forward to and one that raises vital funds for a good cause.
This year’s concert is at the Greville Arms on Tuesday August 18, and Denise Nolan, manager at the Carers Association in Mullingar, the charity that benefits, says it is essential to them.
“This is the 11th year of Billy’s concert and really without the support we receive from the yearly event, we wouldn’t be able to keep the doors open here,” said Denise.
Every year Billy, along with the artists that volunteer their time for free for the event, contribute a huge amount to support family carers.
“It helps us provide support for family carers right across the region, both Westmeath and Longford,” says Denise.
“We’re not just an office here, we’re a drop in centre for supporting family carers.
“And with cuts to funding on a continuing basis, events like the Billy Mac Mega Concert are increasingly important.
“We’d like to say a massive thank you to Billy because it’s not just on the night of the concert; he works on this all year round.
“And to the artists who perform on the night as well – they all give up their time free of charge to put on a good show and really without that support we would be in dire straits.
“The drop-in centre here is essential. The biggest challenge facing family carers in the home is isolation.
“For them just to be able to drop in and for someone to be there to listen to them is essential.
“And carers attending the support groups we have here find it really beneficial because they hear that there are other people going through a similar experience to them.”
Meanwhile, the man himself, asked if he was looking forward to this year’s concert, said: “At my age, isn’t it great to be looking forward to today!
“It’s one of the big nights of the year,” said Billy, “one of the most anticipated shows – we’re all looking forward to it.” Contact the Carers Association in Mullingar on 044 9347922.