Friday, 18th April saw An Grianán Theatre filled with music, joy and community spirit, as the Cathaoirleach’s Charity Concert proved a poignant and unforgettable evening in support of Donegal Domestic Violence Services.

Titled An Evening with Moya Brennan, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Friends, the concert brought together some of Ireland’s most celebrated performers for an event that paid tribute to Donegal’s musical heritage while raising vital funds for a cause dear to the hearts of so many.

Traolach Ó Fionnáin, Arts Officer, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Cllr. Niamh Kenney, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council, Moya Brennan, Dr. Marie Hainsworth, CEO Donegal Domestic Violence Services and Andrew McNulty, Arts Officer at the Cathaoirleach’s Concert in An Grianan Theatre in support of Donegal Domestic Violence Service on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

The evening started with a powerful performance by Maura Logue whose haunting spoken word set the tone for a night of resilience and connection. Larabel then performed a captivating set which drew the audience into an eerily pretty soundscape.

George Houston delivered a heartfelt and soulful performance, blending contemporary songcraft with the sounds of yesterday. He was intimate and powerful on stage and received warm applause from the entranced audience, followed by The Friel Sisters who were joined on the night by Cathal Ó Curráin, Marty Barry and Isla Callister – injecting the evening with an electrical musical set.

Danu Young Womens Choir in their first public performance of 2025 silenced the audience with their intricate arrangements directed by Douglas Carnes accompanied by Dr Helen Haughey on piano.

The energy was heightened when Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, joined by Nia Byrne and Manus Lunny, performed a lively, rich set that wove together generations of talent and tradition long-standing. Their playing provided a sense of shared heritage that resonated throughout the theatre.

The night continued with a breathtaking performance by Valerie Bryce, followed by that of Eoin Ferry.

The highlight of the evening, Moya Brennan and her band performed on stage and mesmerised the crowd. With her ethereal voice and timeless songs, Moya performed alongside Cormac De Barra, Aisling Jarvis, Paul Jarvis and Claire Friel, reminding everyone in the room of her legendary status in Irish music.

Dr Marie Hainsworth from Donegal Domestic Violence Services thanked all for participating in and attending the concert and hoped that this would be the beginning of a long partnership and collaboration with Donegal County Council.

The Concert finale lifted the roof in the theatre when Moya Brennan, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, members of Danu Young Womens Choir and all of the performers took to the stage for Lord of the Dance and the Clannad classic, Téir Abhaile.

An installation, which had been exhibited at ATU Donegal, then Letterkenny Public Services Centre, was moved to An Grianán for the concert. The installation is to honour the stories and strength of Donegal women, this public art exhibit created the tone for the evening in a powerful visual setting of survival and support.

All proceeds from the concert were given directly to Donegal Domestic Violence Services to assist with their worthwhile work across the county.

It was an evening of deep emotion, stunning ability, and shared intent — a celebration of music’s power to unite, to heal, and to lead change.

See photos from the evening here:

Danu Young Womens Choir & Conductor Douglas Carnes Photo Daragh McDonough

Douglas Carnes Conductor Danu Young Womens Choir Photo Daragh McDonough

Danu Young Womens Choir Photo Daragh McDonough

Sheila Friel and Cathal O Curráin Photo Daragh McDonough

Manus Lunny. Photo Daragh McDonough

Dr. Marie Hainsworth CEO Donegal Domestic Violence Services Photo Daragh McDonough

Maura Logue and Claire Falconer Photo Daragh McDonough

Valerie Bryce Photo Daragh McDonough

Nia Byrne Photo Daragh McDonough

Larabel Photo Daragh McDonough

Aisling Jarvis Photo Daragh McDonough

Cormac De Barra and Claire Friel Photo Daragh McDonough

Maura Logue and Claire Falconer Photo Daragh McDonough

John McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Donegal County Council and Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council at the Cathaoirleach’s Concert in An Grianan Theatre in support of Donegal Domestic Violence Service on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson