Mayo Performance Hub needs funding to thrive

by Dr. Richard Martin

I GO to Caroline’s in the Market Square most Saturdays. I never read the menu. Chicken curry. Lots of water.

Over the last year, I’ve noticed different musical acts performing underneath the canopy. Mayo Male Voice Choir and others.

On Saturday, August 17, after my dinner I was overcome with curiosity. Curiosity killed the cat. But the cat has nine lives. I decided to chance it.

One must wonder why the cat has nine lives and the poor dog only has one.

Is it just curiosity that kills the cat? What about old age? It’s fascinating stuff, I must say.

I decided to investigate. Walking across the road, I saw my friend Alison Laredo amongst the crowd. When she was free, I approached her and asked her what it was all about.

She pointed towards a woman who was rocking with the beat and collecting with a bucket at the side of the road.

"She’s the brains behind it all, Richard. I will introduce you after," Alison said.

A band called the ’Jazz Bandits’ were playing. I stood and watched with the large crowd.

They were excellent.

There was a banner behind the band underneath the canopy titled ’Mayo Music and Dance Street Performance Hub’. Interesting.

When it was all over, Alison introduced me to the organiser Fiona Gannon.

We sat down in one of the cubicles. And talked.

Fiona has just completed a course in music in the ATU. I asked her why she was motivated to take this project on.

“Because the world needs it,” she said. “We can impact people through music and dance.”

This project is a total solo venture. No committee.

Just Fiona. Passion. Pride. Commitment. Castlebar.

She has approached various businesses in the locality for support, and they’ve all come up trumps.

The banners and posters are sponsored by Ink Monkeys.

Heverins Media sponsored a video showcasing the Performance Hub.

Former Councillor Martin McLoughlin was a huge support.

He provided a floor for dancers.

She was also extremely appreciative of the support from The Connaught Telegraph and photographer Alison Laredo, who’ve helped promote the project since its inception.

The money raised by Fiona with her bucket is given to the performers after the show.

I asked her what does this project need to grow?

Funding she replied. More advertising.

Two sidewalls to protect the PA system and electronic equipment.

It would also create a more enclosed space and more atmosphere.

Two ’big’ acts will be performing in the Market Square soon. Elastic Band Orchestra and the Big Band West.

Fiona has worked as a Health and Social care worker for the last 20 years.

She has been involved in multiple community and charitable events over the years.

Her charitable acts include, shaving her hair in aid of the Chernobyl Children’s Group and visiting Chernobyl also; volunteering in Rock Rose House across from MUH; working with the Simon Community in Galway and giving gifts to the homeless on Christmas day.

Fiona didn’t take her community and charitable spirit from the wind. Her mother Margaret is a veteran member of Castlebar Tidy Towns.

Her sister is an integral part of CRCfm. The Gannons are embedded in the fabric of the town.

A community is built on such people.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

(Dr. Richard Martin is a regular columnist with The Connaught Telegraph).