U2 singer, Bono, has afforded his support towards the Blairy/Moydrum residents’ association and the Athlone Drug Awareness Group, donating authentic signed copies of the band’s Unforgettable Fire album, the front cover of which features Moydrum Castle.
The year 2021 marked the centenary occasion of the burning of Moydrum Castle and with this significant moment in local history in mind, Fianna Fáil Councillor, Cllr Frankie Keena, decided to make contact with Bono, his aim being to receive the support of the band as the Bliary/Moydrum residents’ association and the Athlone Drug Awareness Group continue their fundraising efforts.
“As 2021 was the centenary year of the burning of Moydrum Castle I decided to contact Bono and his band U2 to see if they could support this community of Bliary/Moydrum and the Athlone Drug Awareness Group with their various fundraising efforts. I am a big fan of U2 and since Moydrum Castle features on their Unforgettable Fire Album, I said to myself, ‘it is worth a try’.
“The response from Bono was simply amazing. Last year, I received Unforgettable Fire albums signed by the U2 singer for both local organisations, so in that regard I wish to afford my appreciation to Bono. The fact that these albums are signed and dated the centenary year in which Moydrum Castle was burnt makes them extra special. Also included with these albums are letters of authentication,” Cllr Keena enthused.
The Bliary/Moydrum residents’ association wish to extend upon an existing footpath within the community the first phase of which was completed in 2021, Cllr Keena acknowledging the need to progress fundraising initiatives and realise phase two of this project.
“The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport provides annual funding to local authorities to administer Community Involvement Schemes. Under this scheme, local communities can request their relevant local authority to carry out improvements to local public areas such as local roads, cul de sacs and footpath provisions.
“There is a requirement from the local community to contribute a percentage towards the overall cost of the works. Last year it was 15 percent and this year it has been reduced to 10 percent which is a major help to communities due to the rising cost of materials.
“To date, the Bliary/Moydrum residents’ association has received €206,000 under this scheme over two phases for a footpath extension along the L1427 with thanks to Westmeath County Council. This includes the contribution of €23,850 from the resident group.
“A strong and enthusiastic and brilliant local development committee, ably chaired by Ciaran McKenna, was afforded the task of raising this money. The support from the local community and businesses has been amazing in their response to the wide variety of fundraising initiatives that were held which is so much appreciated by the committee. While it is fantastic to see that the fundraising for phase two is progressing so well, we still have a little bit more work to do to reach our target.
“To this end, I made contact with Bono and in recent times the residents’ association raffled one of these albums and congratulations is extended to David Sharkey from Drogheda on being the winner of this prestigious signed album prize. The residents’ association plan to raffle the remaining albums over the next few years,” Cllr Keena concluded.
