Billy Mac Concert makes a return

The renowned Billy Mac will return with his mega concert this year in aid of Family Carers Ireland.

The event takes place on September 5 in The Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar and promises to be a wonderful night’s entertainment.

What was once a hugely successful annual concert returns after a three-year absence due to the covid pandemic.

“This will be our 16th year to hold the event and I always had 20 concerts in mind, so the plan is to revive it this year and then keep it going. It’s always one of the highlights of the year and with music having received such a lift in Mullingar with the Fleadh Cheoil, we expect this year to be another well-attended event,” he said.

Billy Mac is delighted to have confirmed some very talented acts for this year’s concert.

A host of stars will contribute on the evening, including Simon Casey, Chris Loughrey and Mullingar’s very own Michael Hogg. It will also include a traditional music element, with Joe Connaire and friends performing.

The Afters, Paschal Brennan and Camillus Egerton are among the other acts lined up for the mega concert.

“Simon Casey is of course very well-known for his performances on You're a Star and he finished second in that competition. Paschal Brennan from Athlone is a very popular performer and he will add greatly to the event. We’re lucky to have many other talented singers making themselves available - the likes of Michaela Hogg and Chris Loughrey, who are very popular on the local music scene.”

Sabrina Fallon will also be performing on the evening.

“She’s a relative of Mike Denver and hails from Portumna in Galway,” Billy Mac explained.

“We are thrilled to have her at this year’s event.”

Billy Mac is delighted to have a fleadh feel to this year’s event especially after the success of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar. “It will be more than just a country night,” he enthused.

The inimitable Billy Mac will be in action himself on the evening, with a couple of Niall Diamond classics thrown in to get the crowd singing along.

Billy has been involved in music for many decades now and still hosts a rock n’ roll radio show on Midlands 103 each Sunday from 8pm to 10pm, which runs live from Mullingar.

“I’m the only one still doing it from Westmeath,” he proudly said.

Of course, Billy played with the Classic Showband Show in the past and was lead singer with them during the 1960s. He is proud to support the vital work of carers.

“It was a great time and I’ve wonderful memories. I love music and it’s great to be still involved and to be able to give something back to carers, who do such a brilliant job,” he added.

Doors will open at 7.15pm on the evening and the show commences at 7.45pm, with tickets priced at €20 each.

GRATITUDE

Caroline Poole of Family Carers Ireland welcomed the return of the Billy Mac concert, describing it as “phenomenal” and expressing her sincere gratitude to the organiser.

“Billy Mac has helped us to keep our doors open in Mullingar. We really appreciate him and all the hard work he puts into the concert,” she said.

“Not only does it bring in vital funds for us, it raises awareness of the importance of carers.”

The upcoming concert is a major fundraiser for the organisation and she thanked all who supported the event over the years.

She said the main message she wants to get out as the concert approaches is that family carers are not on their own, even in these challenging times.

“Family carers may feel isolated, but we want to stress that we are here and willing to offer any help we can. We will make every effort to lighten their load.

“Obviously, we can’t fix everything, but we will be there for family carers.”

There’s further positive news for the Longford Westmeath carers, who have a new Support Centre in Castle Street, Mullingar. A new manager has been appointed and will begin working on August 14.

“We are delighted to welcome Aimee Kelly as our new manager, which is another boost for us,” added Caroline.