The community surrounding a Mullagh resident are organising a show-stopping event to raise funds for their friend who was seriously injured in a car accident.
Tommie Reilly is a husband, father to two young children and, before his accident, was a passionate musician and songwriter. It was on his way home from performing a gig after Christmas one night two years ago, that tragedy struck.
Since then, Tommie has not been back to his family home as he undergoes rehabilitation in HSE care. The 49-year-old has had to learn to eat and swallow again and, for now at least, is unable to take up the mic. During lockdowns, however, he had put some of his own compositions on home-recorded demo.
Originally from Carnaross, Tommie made Mullagh his family home. Now, his friends and musician colleagues have come together to put on an unmissable night of music in St Colmcille's Church, Kells next Thursday, 7th December to raise funds for his ongoing rehabilitation and care.
Not only, will the concert feature a 60-piece choir; Deirdre Shannon, who was the main singer in Riverdance; and Brendan McCaghey, a past winner of the Voice Ireland; but one of Tommy's own songs.
James Quinn who owns JAM studios in Kells has known Tommie since they were about 3. Using the magic of AI, James has, by request of the Reilly family, recorded his friend's voice on his song called "Any Port in a Storm" and it will performed with a live band at the fundraising concert.
Tickets for the concert at St Colmcille's Church on Thursday, 7th December are €25 and available from Event Brite, local shops or from any member of the Carnaross community committee. For more information call 086 8205371 or 087 2490357
