POPULAR band Midnite Café dusted off their instruments to perform their first gigs in 16 months in front of excited residents in four housing estates in Tralee on Saturday afternoon.
Kerry Mental Health Association’s Tralee branch benefitted from a collection at each location where the generosity was overwhelming on a glorious afternoon.
The mobile stage visited Derrylea in Oakpark, Caheranne Village on Strand Road, Mounthawk Manor and Connolly Park.
The final performance was outside the home of Richie Greer, father of the band’s drummer, Damian, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday.
There were birthday celebrations also in Mounthawk Manor where John Murphy, originally from St Brendan’s Park, marked his 60th with family.
General Manager of the Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, said an event like this was a tonic for the mind on a beautiful sunny afternoon.
“It was all about community spirit and it showed how much we need our friends and neighbours. Credit to the residents’ associations who made it possible, to the band who showed no signs of rustiness after lockdown, and the team of experienced volunteer stewards, led by Martin Brosnan and Ann O’Shea, who made sure the show ran smoothly and safely,” he said.
Limited to a maximum of 200 attendees per venue under Covid guidelines, the volunteers with Kerry Mental Health Association’s Tralee branch were bowled-over by the number of donations they received at each venue.
Tralee Garda Station granted the collection permit and assisted on the day and Kingdom Fast Hire sponsored the generator which powered the sound from the stage.
The Kerry Mental Health Association has branches Tralee, Killarney, Kenmare, Castleisland, Listowel, Killorglin, Iveragh, Corca Dhuibhne and Rathmore/East Kerry.
