Great turnout for Songs for Ukraine at Thesel in Kilkenny

Kilkenny’s Tholsel was transformed on Sunday evening from a council chamber that houses our city’s municipal district into a concert hall hosting an array of fantastic artists singing songs for Ukraine.

According to Mayor Andrew McGuinness who said on the night, “this room is often the place of debate and sometimes disagreement, but tonight there is no debate, we are unanimous in purpose, we are all here to support our Ukrainian friends and neighbours, stand in solidarity with Ukraine and hopefully raise much needed funds in the process.

‘Songs for Ukraine’ was organized by local community worker Liviu Iftime, Romanian X-Factor star Stefan J Doyle and Mayor Andrew McGuinness as part of a multicultural music night. It featured artists from Romania, Moldova, Ireland and India with Kilkenny represented by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir.

“It was truly a great musical evening and it was great to see our Tholsel used for such a positive event. All the musicians were fantastic and there was a real sense of community as we came together to support Ukraine said Mayor McGuinness.

“I would like to thank Liviu and Stefan who both put in tremendous effort to make this event a success. Liviu has an extraordinary talent for bringing people together to create something positive while Stefan is an incredible entertaining musician, performer and presenter. It was a pleasure working with them,” said Mayor McGuinness.

The event was free but with optional donations. Over €500 was raised overnight and will be combined with funds from the Mayors’ Walk for Ukraine to be donated to the Ukrainian Red Cross.