Successful fundraiser at Portumna school
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Sinead Power (Sixth Year student and MC), Katie O’Flaherty (teacher, PCS), Elaine Shanahan Dunne (Deputy Principal, PCS), Thea Curtin (teacher, PCS), James Duignan (President of ACCS), Ciara Kenny (Sixth Year student), Juliette O’Connell (Breast Cancer Ireland), Izzy Tuohy (Sixth Year student) and Esther Hogan Larkin (Bursar, PCS).Image 2 of 5
Portumna Community School presenting a cheque for €4,000 to Juliette O’Connell (Breast Cancer Ireland).Image 3 of 5
The Brislane family Carmel, Ciara and John enjoying the Portumna Community School Coffee Morning pictured here with past pupil of Portumna Community School and Irish Country Music star Mike Denver.Image 4 of 5
Portumna Community School presenting a cheque for €2,000 to Jim Hynes (representing Galway Hospice Foundation).Image 5 of 5
Guest performers and speakers at Portumna Community School’s recent Community Coffee Morning, from left: Juliette O’Connell (Breast Cancer Ireland), Ger Fahy (composer and musical director of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, Dangerous Game and founding member of the chart-topping, turbo trad band Furry Village and performer at Trad on the Prom), Elaine Shanahan Dunne (Deputy Principal), John Luke Reynolds (local musician and past student of PCS), Bobby Conboy (musician and student at PCS), Máirín Fahy (featured soloist with Riverdance for many years and guest with The Chieftains on numerous overseas tours), Mike Denver (past student of PCS and Irish Country Singer), Steve Dolan (CE, Galway Rural Development and representative from Galway Hospice Foundation), Barry Conboy (musician and former lead guitarist with Big Generator), Gearóid Fahy (fiddle player and member of The Fahy Family), Jackie Conboy (sound engineer, manager and promoter) and Shane McClearn (Principal, Portumna Community School).Portumna Community School hosted a successful community coffee morning in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland and Galway Hospice Foundation. This extravaganza of music, song and dance raised €6,000 for two nominated charities, Breast Cancer Ireland, and Galway Hospice Foundation.
In what was a hugely collaborative affair involving students, teachers, parents, and members of the local community the morning began with some festive tunes played in the school gym. The show was introduced by Sinead Power, Cora Clarke, Saoirse Hynes, and Ola Erokhina.
A reflective piano piece played by Stepan Mukovin was followed by a poem recited by Lily Rose McCauley. This was followed by an energetic hip-hop performance that left the audience marvelling at the dexterity of youth. Moving duets performed by Sadhbh Mechan and Bobby Conboy, followed by Izzy Tuohy and Cialan Duane highlighted their outstanding talents.
The school band performed a rousing rendition of ‘A Fairytale of New York’ in recognition of the recent passing of Shane McGowan. John Luke Reynolds and Izzy Tuohy sang the lead parts, giving a poignantly brilliant twist on an old classic.
The aim of the event, as well as raising funds for both charities, was to highlight awareness of breast cancer and the signs and symptoms to be aware of. Juliette O’Connell of Breast Cancer Ireland emphasised the necessity for education, in both men and women in her address to the assembled audience. A breast cancer survivor herself, she spoke passionately about the importance of early detection and prompt treatment.
Steve Dolan, Galway Hospice Foundation, spoke of the need for funding of services provided for patients needing end of life care.
James Duignan, President ACCS, indorsed the sentiments of previous speakers, highlighting the importance of breast cancer awareness and the ongoing need for fundraising.
The highlight of the morning was the performance of former PCS student Mike Denver, who was joined by the Conboy brothers Barry, and Jackie on sound, both past students of PCS. Jackie’s son Bobby, TY student, with Máirín, Ger and Gearóid Fahy, musicians from Ballinakill. A lively session ensued to the delight of the audience, many of whom took to the floor for an impromptu jive. Shauna Parry and Grace Killeen rose the roof with their lively display of Irish dancing.
The School Chamber Choir, led by music teacher Robyn Williams, brought down the curtain on what was a memorable occasion for the wider family of Portumna Community School and its environs. Thanks to the Parents Association who organised a hugely successful raffle which contributed to the overall amount for both charities. Special thanks to our dedicated students, staff, performers, parents, local businesses and the local community for their generosity.