Ballykissangel actress calls for Mullingar

A well-known Irish actress based in Mullingar has called on people in Westmeath to support a forthcoming night of music in aid of North Westmeath Hospice, which will take place in the majestic surrounds of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar on Sunday, October 19.Tina Kellegher - famous for her roles as Sharon Curley in "The Snapper" and as Niamh in the BBC television series "Ballykissangel" - has been involved with Hospice activities in Mullingar for the past year and a half.'My father died of cancer about seven years ago, so we were very lucky to have the services of the Palliative Care here in town, with Rita Daly heading the team,' Tina told the Westmeath Examiner this week. 'It was wonderful. Only then do you appreciate the work that people do, and how much it means to you at those difficult times.'So when I was asked to go on the North Westmeath Hospice Committee, I said I"d love to. But the women who do the work out there are just phenomenal. They"re constantly organising things and going places, so I"m trying to do my bit.'Tina was involved in organising the recent Hospice coffee morning in Mullingar, and took part in the Mini-Marathon in town on the June bank holiday weekend.'Usually they would go to the Ladies" Mini-Marathon in Dublin, but we decided to do the marathon locally this year. A lot of people came out to take part, and we"re hoping that it"s going to be an even bigger event next year,' she remarked.The "Ballykissangel" star has lived at Gaybrook, Mullingar for the past three years. She is married to Gordon Wycherley - brother of Bachelor"s Walk star Don - and they have two sons, Michael (5) and Brian (1).Originally from Cavan, Tina moved to Westmeath as a teenager, and has always held the Mullingar area close to her heart. She embarked upon a successful acting career, and became a household name after starring opposite Colm Meaney in "The Snapper".After "Ballykissangel", she turned to voiceover and radio work, playing a leading role in the BBC Radio Four detective drama "Baldi", and featuring on the latest Barnardos ads on Irish radio.As someone familiar with the creative arts, Tina was only too happy to get involved with the latest North Westmeath Hospice fundraiser - a night of music in Mullingar Cathedral on October 19.Directed by Gerard Lillis, Mullingar Cathedral Choir will perform the second half of Vivaldi"s "Gloria", with orchestral accompaniment, and the support of a number of local choristers and Schola students, including Heather Fogarty, Emmett Cahill, Jenny McNamee, Aoife Gavin, Katie McCarthy and Mark Irwin.Also performing on the night will be the folk choir from St. Paul"s Church, Mullingar, and the senior girls" choir from Loreto College, Mullingar.Amidst the grandiose and solemn surrounds of the Cathedral of Christ the King, one of Vivaldi"s most familiar and popular pieces of sacred music is sure to get a magnificent airing.So if you"d like to enjoy a night of high-brow and stirring music while supporting one of the county"s foremost causes, tickets are available from O"Brien"s Pharmacy or Fox"s Fruit and Veg, Mullingar at €15 apiece. Starting at 7pm, it"s an event not to be missed.'It"ll be a gorgeous night of music, and we"d really love as many people as possible to come and support us on the night,' Tina added.