Mullingar Town Band are among the acts lined up for the event on December 23.

Local TD to host music event in aid of Gaza humanitarian effort

Fianna Fail TD Robert Troy has put together a musical event to help raise funds for the massive humanitarian effort currently taking place to assist the people of Gaza.

The event, which is being held at the Market Square, Mullingar on Saturday December 23 (3-6pm) will provide funds to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF), who are working to assist in the medical emergency which has overwhelmed the region.

“I think we have all been deeply affected by images of the suffering being endured by the innocent civilians of Gaza,” said Deputy Troy.

“I know that many agencies working to save lives in the region are putting themselves in harm’s way each day to do their best in assisting those who have been severely affected.”

Emmett Cahill.

The festive event will feature internationally renowned signer Emmet Cahill, the Mullingar Town Band, and a selection of Comhaltas Iarmhí musicians, and there will be mulled wine, sponsored by Wines Direct, plus mince pies and treats.

Deputy Troy acknowledged that "there are a lot of challenges domestically, but I think that at Christmastime when we see hospitals without medicine and doctors crying out for help to save little babies' lives, it is nice to be able to do something that will make a difference, and I'm just calling on people to give whatever their means allow, from a euro to whatever, and hopefully we can help to alleviate the horrific pain that children in Gaza are experiencing.

“The response from the local talent here in Westmeath has been fantastic since we started putting this together.

“People recognise the huge crisis and have been willing to give their time. We hope that people can take time out as they prepare for Christmas to appreciate the music, enjoy a glass of mulled wine, and most importantly, to show their support for the humanitarian effort in Gaza by giving what they can in the collection,” said Deputy Troy.

Local Comhaltas musicians will also be playing on the Market Square for the fundraiser.