Ciarán Carr Christmas Busk in Clondalkin
Buskers at last year's event

Ciarán Carr Christmas Busk in Clondalkin

Preparations are in full swing for the ninth annual Ciarán Carr Christmas Busk, which will see a host of musicians performing on Main Street in Clondalkin village on December 23 from 7.30pm.

The line-up for this year’s busk includes Colm Gavin, Sadhbh Keane, Mary Murray, Aengus Devine, Liliana Pinheiro, Jordan O’Neill, Caoimhe Byrne, Meelagoola with more to be announced.

The event has become a highlight in Clondalkin leading up to Christmas and is an important fundraiser for the Ciarán Carr Foundation.

The Ciarán Carr Foundation was set up after the 20-year-old sportsman from Clondalkin passed away as a result of sudden adult death syndrome while training with Round Tower GAA Club in 2012.

There will be a bucket collection at the event for the foundation, which provides CPR training and installs defibrillators, while attendees will be treated to live music to get them in a festive mood.

James Howe, one of the chief organisers of this year’s busk, told The Echo: “It’s a beautiful tradition.

“It began in 2014 when Colm Gavin and Conor McGrath held the inaugural busk on Clondalkin’s Main Street.

“It’s grown to become a Yuletide spectacle.

“What began as a charming charitable display now attracts attendees in the hundreds.”

This year’s busk will also be the subject of a documentary that will be recorded on the day, and preparations have been ongoing for several months.

“There’s a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes,” added James.

“While the busk is a very practical idea, and might appear very impromptu, preparations can sometimes start up to three months before the event itself.

“This year we’ll have performances from Donna Dunne, Mary Murray, Meelagoola and so many other brilliant performers.

“There’ll be a few surprises on the night too, but I’ll keep them under my hat for the moment.”

TAGS
Share This