There’s Nathan like a bit of country!
It’s been said many times, but the power of music to bring good into the world is a phenomenal thing.
This month, Nathan Carter, one of the most popular country singers in Ireland, will take to the stage in Cork to raise money for three major Irish charities.
The concert takes place on 25 October at The Arches in Mallow, with all proceeds going to the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), Breakthrough Cancer Research, and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI).
Known for his captivating stage presence and hit songs like ‘Wagon Wheel’ and ‘Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya’, Carter is celebrated for his ability to blend traditional Irish music with country sounds.
The fundraising concert was organised by a number of North Cork locals with firsthand experience with the chosen charities.
Fifteen years ago, Catherine Daly from North Cork and her family’s life changed dramatically when her father, Martin Kiely, encountered a life-threatening health crisis. After requiring urgent dialysis treatment, he received compassionate care from Dr Liam Plant in Cork for over a decade.
Six years ago, he was granted a second chance at life through a lifesaving kidney transplant, a gift from the family of an organ donor. The Kiely family has also endured the loss of a loved one to cancer.
Catherine, along with fellow North Cork locals Ollie Kiely, Dawn Moore, and Jen McCarthy, are organising the fundraising concert in aid of three charities who have provided vital support for their families and the wider North Cork community.
“You often don't realise the significance of charitable organisations until you are personally affected by them,” said Catherine. “These 3 charities have been incredible in supporting our loved ones, thanks to the dedicated efforts of their teams. When my father received an organ donation, it opened our eyes to the importance of discussing end-of-life wishes with family. Like many families impacted by cancer, we have travelled a challenging journey. Cancer research requires substantial funding to ensure quality of life and to support adequate research,” she said.
“My understanding of Alzheimer's has also unfortunately grown significantly in recent years. The Mallow Day Centre is an exceptional facility, and it's crucial to raise awareness while providing a welcoming and safe environment for people living with dementia,” added Catherine.
Mairead Dillon, Head of Fundraising for ASI, said: “The ASI is a vital source of support for those affected by the condition in communities across Ireland. We really appreciate the organising committee for their commitment to helping those in need.”
Eoghan O’Sullivan, Fundraising Manager for Breakthrough Cancer Research, said: “The funds received from the event will help Breakthrough Cancer Research in our mission to make more survivors of cancer through research and will be invested in new programmes to develop new and better ways to detect and treat currently difficult-to-treat cancers.”
Lisa Fitzgerald, Fundraising Manager with IKA, said: “We hope the IKA and our fellow charities Breakthrough Cancer Research and ASI, with the money raised, helps those that need it most.”
Tickets for Nathan Carter at The Arches in Mallow on 25 October are on sale on eventbrite.ie. They can also be purchased from Kiely’s Garage in Mallow and from NathanCarterMusic.com. Tickets cost €30 plus booking fee.