ONE event at this weekend’s Fèile Oriel festival in Monaghan Town will be particularly poignant as all proceeds from it will go to a local cancer support charity in memory of a local man who passed away recently.

 The late Jim Finnan raised a lot of money for cancer support, a cause close to his heart. His widow Geraldine is now to the fore in organising a concert featuring the singer who sang so eloquently at her husband’s funeral. Songstress Eimear Quinn, a string quartet and guitarist will perform an evening of sacred music in the unique surroundings of St Macartan’s Cathedral with all proceeds going to Monaghan Cancer Support. Ms Quinn’s stunning performance of ‘Voice of an Angel’ captivated the audience at last year’s revival of the Fèile Oriel festival and now she returns in 2010 with an evening of what has been described as “sacred, reflective music and song.” 

Speaking about the event, local priest at St Macartan’s Father Paddy McGinn said, “We are very happy to be associated with Fèile Oriel. It just proves how broad this festival is. There’s something for everyone in it and we’re looking forward to a great atmosphere over the weekend” Geraldine Finnan told how the proceeds from the night will be used to support the taxi service which transports cancer patients to and from hospital. Mrs Finann added that she had been “bowled over” by the support for the event. “Organising the concert over recent weeks we have been bowled over by the support we’ve found. Local printers, the Smyth family have designed and sponsored the posters and tickets and donations have also been coming in along with a strong demand for tickets. It’s been very heartening,”

The Eimear Quinn concert will take place in St Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan on Friday, 30 April 30 at 8.30pm. Admission is €15 and tickets are available from Veritas, Park Street, the O2 shop, Glaslough Street, Tithe Alainn and from family and friends of the late Jim Finnan.