Plans being drawn up for St Michael’s Hall
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The presentation of a cheque for €3000 to St Michael’s Hall Redevelopment Fund from the Marcus Magee and The Hollaw Men Concert held in the Errigal Hotel recently. From left: Pauline Clarke, Sara McCauley, Lisa Pepper, Laura Nulty, Gemma Kettle and Marcus Magee.PHOTOS: ALEX COLEMAN Alex Coleman.Image 2 of 8
The presentation of a cheque for €2000 to Cootehill Cancer Care from The Marcus Magee and The Hollow Men Concert held in the Errigal Hotel recently. from left: Philomena Clarke, Cootehill Cancer Care; Marcus Magee and John Joe Lennon, Cootehill Cancer Care. Alex Coleman.Image 3 of 8
Marcus Magee and The Hallow Men on Stage at The St Michael’s Hall Redevelopment and Cootehill Cancer Care Fundraiser in the Errigal Hotel Cootehill last month. Alex Coleman.Image 4 of 8
Frank McDonald, Annalena McPhillips and Brid McDonald. Alex Coleman.Image 5 of 8
Emma and Andrew Moffett. Alex Coleman.Image 6 of 8
Siobhann Cooney, Ben Hunt and Hannah Magee. Alex Coleman.Image 7 of 8
Damien and Noel Foster. Alex Coleman.Image 8 of 8
Maureen Stevens and Karen Brady. Alex Coleman.A 'Night of Old Cavan Songs' has generated an impressive €5,000 towards the St Michael’s Hall Redevelopment project and Cootehill Cancer Care.
'Marcus Magee and the Hollaw Men' was a most successful Cavan Calling event hosted by the St Michael’s Hall Redevelopment committee last month in the Errigal Country House Hotel.
Concert goers were treated to a packed set list of songs, some forgotten, brought back to life in the band’s unique style, which included modern versions. The audience heard renditions of 'The Shamrock boys of Kill', 'Sam Hall Chimney sweep from Cootehill', 'Come Back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff', 'The Cavan Girl' and 'Lovely Sweet Drumgoon', among other old standards. The group included one new track of their upcoming debut album due for release in the new year. This was actually the band's last gig for six months as they now focus their time on finishing the album.
The homecoming gig was quite emotional for all present. At one point, band member Julie spoke of how she was witnessing "community and culture entwined in connection". Traditional music featured heavily on the set list too and it was a pleasure for the audience to listen to and see the gifted musicians ply their craft.
The pride of being part of such a memorable night is summed up in the band's reaction to Friday’s concert. “We were delighted to play in our home town of Cootehill and for two fantastic causes. A lot of the songs we found in archives are from this region so it felt like it struck a chord with everyone and the audience were great. A big shout out to St Michael’s Hall Redevelopment team for all the work they put into making this a reality,” said Marcus Magee.
The organisers also wish to thank all those who attended on the night, bought tickets and gave donations; the band for providing a wonderful night’s entertainment; Cavan County Council and SECAD for their support and the Errigal Country House Hotel and staff for generously hosting the concert.
Public consultation
Nearly a year after the formation of the St Michael’s Hall Redevelopment committee, significant progress is being made develop a new community centre and sports complex in Cootehill. The committee is delighted to invite all to a public consultation event where the group will show the progress and vision for the hall. The group has recently appointed architects to progress a planning application.
An invitation is extended to all in the community to drop into St Michael’s Hall this Sunday, November 5, any time between 12 noon and 2pm, for an update on how the redevelopment project is progressing and to give your opinion to make sure that the hall will be a place for everyone in the community.