An appeal which was launched recently by Kilconnell native Eimear Noone, the first woman composer to conduct the Oscar ceremony orchestra has received a setback with Storm Ellen having caused damage to the funded renovations which were already under way.
The Ballinasloe Town Band were thrilled by Ms Noone’s launch of a campaign to repair the roof at the Parochial Hall, but were left devastated by the damage inflicted by Storm Ellen last week.
A substantial quantity of slates were dislodged and removed by the severe gusts of wind on the roof at the rear of the Parochial Hall, thereby exposing parts of the hall to the elements. A number of these slates were deposited onto a portion of the new roof of the kitchen annex which will now require repair or part replacement.
The freshly painted interior walls of the main hall will also have to be revisited due to water seepage from the slate loss on the roof. Areas of the recently installed ceilings will also require remedial attention. Additionally, slates at the front of the hall roof were loosened and rendered precarious requiring the public footpath to be cordoned off by the council.
Ironically, the bands “Raise the Roof” fundraising appeal had only been launched in the last few weeks by world renowned composer and conductor, Eimear Noone. The campaign was initiated with a view to gather the necessary finances to allow the Town Band to repair the fragile roof in its own time.
However, Storm Ellen and its consequent damage has now necessitated immediate action to repair and replace the slates and the battens.
The committee of the Town Band are very encouraged and heartened by the offers of help and the messages of goodwill and support received from the public.
The “Raise the Roof” campaign now takes on a new sense of urgency and purpose. Band and committee members will be redoubling their efforts to encourage the public to purchase a slate for €50 in order to raise the initial €50,000+ finance required.
The people of East Galway and beyond are being urged to actively support the initiative and to help promote it among family, friends, colleagues and the diaspora abroad.
Online purchases or donations may be made on the Go-Fund-Me page https://ie.gofundme.com/f/raising-the-roof-appeal. Facebook members can follow the progress of the appeal by liking the Ballinasloe Town Band Facebook page. Enquiries 087 9710496
