THERE was a clear show of support for Annalong-based charity and community centre Moneydarragh Hub as supporters from near and far packed out Longstone Hall on Saturday (17 February) to celebrate the launch of their ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising campaign, with a successful night of music and merriment.
Reflecting on the night, Moneydarragh Hub chairperson Margaret Rogers said: “What a brilliant way to start our ‘Raise the Roof’ campaign, and such an array of wonderful local talent. We certainly raised the roof last night!” Over 50 performers took to the stage in support to raise funds for essential maintenance and renovations at Moneydarragh Hub. The performers included past pupils of the former Moneydarragh Primary School and talent within the local community. In addition to past pupils, supporters and acts came from as far as Hungary, Rostrevor and Newcastle and were present to support the project. Compère Shaun Fitzpatrick gave an introduction to the night, describing the centre as “an integral part of the community, flourishing by offering educational, social, music, and wellbeing opportunities to name but a few – open to all, near and far, young and old”. Shaun passed the mic to chairperson Margaret who thanked the attendees, performers, and venue staff for their support. Margaret continued to encourage donations and said there would be plenty of opportunities in future to contribute. The first act on the stage was the Moneydarragh Harpists, five current harp pupils who practice the instrument on Tuesdays at the centre through Comhaltas Craobh Boirche. They were followed by All Ireland Fleadh-winning piper Pádraig Rooney. Local guitarist and singer John Harrison then played a set, including songs such as ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Stick Season’ which had the venue singing along.
Community Tribal Drummers then armed the crowd with drums and percussion for an amazingly energetic performance that encouraged rhythm from the attendees. A dozen musicians took to the stage as the Anchor Ukes played a number of hit songs. A brief interval led into a raffle for prizes, led by a Ninja Air Fryer donated by Irelands Appliance Centre in Newcastle. Other prizes included a seasonal hamper and self-care items. Michelle Haughian, who provided music to award-winning Moneydarragh PS plays such as Boirche, followed the interval with a selection of songs on solo violin. Longstone GAC chairperson Hugh Rodgers then recited ‘The Man From God Knows Where’ – a poem taught to him at the age of eight at Moneydarragh Primary School.
The McAstocker Family soon took to the stage as the penultimate act of the night, returning to traditional folk music on flute, pipes, and violin. With their stage debut, the headline act for the evening was the Moneydarragh Melody Makers, who brought 29 performers up on stage to sing together. The group performed hits such as ‘Rocking All Over The World’, ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ (adapted as ‘Longstone Cowboy’), and ‘Hallelujah’. The group rounded their set off with a special performance of ‘The Silent Valley Dam’ first recorded by Moneydarragh PS and Annalong PS, which included archive footage of the old school and current community centre being projected. Following a resoundingly positive response, the group performed an encore of ‘Longstone Cowboy’ again.
Moneydarragh Hub committee member and Moneydarragh Melody Makers singer Raphael Haughian had this to say about the night: “The launch of Moneydarragh Hub’s ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising campaign turned out to be a total success. “Longstone Hall was packed to the rafters. The crowd were treated to a wide variety of excellent entertainment – from the Moneydarragh Harpists opening the show till the headline act, the Moneydarragh Melody Makers. “The Moneydarragh Hub committee wish to thank all the acts who gave their time; namely the Moneydarragh Harpists; Community Tribal Drummers; Pádraig Rooney; John Harrison; Anchor Ukes; Michelle Haughian; Hugh Rodgers; The McAstocker Family; the Moneydarragh Melody Makers; and Tiarnan Haughian.” Raphael continued: “It’s hard to believe that for such a small community that we were all entertained with such a wide variety of talented people, who are mostly from the locality. “Thanks also to Michael Fitzpatrick and Tiarnan Haughian for organising and making sure the sound system ran perfectly all night – complementing the sounds of all the acts so that the audience could fully appreciate them. “A big thanks to all the others who helped out in any way leading up to, during, and after this spectacular event. “Finally, a big thanks to Longstone GAC for the use of their wonderful facilities. “This is just the beginning of our ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising campaign – so many thanks to all the people who were or were not in attendance, and donated in any way. “We have big plans going forward to futureproof our beloved Moneydarragh Hub, so let’s keep ‘er lit!”
Attendees could donate on the night to buy a slate, and receive a certificate of donation. The ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising campaign is in aid of renovating and repairing the roof of Moneydarragh Hub, as well as building accessibility ramps, a new play park, and other essential maintenance for the building. The campaign has a goal of raising £60,000. The team would like to express their thanks to everyone who was involved in the launch and to those who support events, activities and programmes. Continuing with the campaign, the committee is preparing other fundraising events and workshops, which are soon to be announced.
More information on how to support the campaign can be found on Moneydarragh Hub’s website.