www.trocaire.org/trad

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, world renowned fiddle player with traditional music giants Altan, is urging traditional music groups and musicians across Ulster to lend their support to a new fundraising venture for overseas development agency Trócaire.

“This new idea for raising funds for Trócaire’s vital work is called ‘Trad for Trócaire’ and it basically asks traditional musicians to organise a trad session in support of the charity,” said Mairéad who has recorded with Enya, the Chieftains and Dolly Parton during her career. “I love the idea of the traditional music community here at home doing something to help those who are less well off than us and I have no doubt this will receive terrific support.”

Trócaire has teamed up with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann to run the new national fundraising initiative in September. Comhaltas is at the forefront of the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music and has hundreds of local branches.

“We are asking musicians, venue owners and the general public to get involved,” said Mairéad. “Put on a session in your venue or your own home, come out and play no matter what your instrument or go along and support a session – no matter where you are in Ulster between the 23th and 29th of September there’ll be a ‘Trad for Trócaire’ session taking place near you!”

“It’s really easy to get involved. Log on to www.trocaire.org/trad to order your information pack or register your event. I would encourage everyone to support this venture. Let’s raise the roof and raise money for a fantastic cause at the same time!” Mairéad concluded.