Rahan Comhaltas summer sessions raise over €5,000 for Gaza aid

Weekly fundraising sessions held by the Rahan branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann this summer have raised €5,500 that will be used to help provide a mobile maternity clinic on the Gaza strip.

The local Comhaltas sessions were held in Rahan Hall over the course of seven Tuesday nights since mid-June, and were filled with traditional Irish music, dance, stories and local talent. The show was made possible by the efforts of Comhaltas and local volunteers.

Proceeds from the admission fee usually go back to Comhaltas to help support music classes and the rental of musical instruments.

This year, however, the devastating crisis affecting the Palestinian people prompted the Rahan branch committee to allocate the funds raised to supporting those in Gaza.

"It was decided that the money raised would go towards helping those victim to the genocide in Gaza," said a press statement issued on behalf of Rahan Comhaltas.

"As the root of this genocide has led to people being pushed out of their land, it's evidently a situation which Irish people feel is close to home based on our historical past.

"The show took place over seven weeks and raised a total of €5,000. This increased to €5,500 after Rahan Hall graciously waived the rental fee for the hall."

The money is being put towards the provision of a mobile maternity clinic, with Palestine Aid renovating a regular bus into a maternity clinic, which, once ready, is to go directly into the Gaza strip to help Palestinians.

Rahan Comhaltas extended its thanks to all who played music, volunteered, or attended the summer sessions.

"We hope this money will make a difference to those in need, and the Rahan Comhaltas branch will continue to support this cause as much as we can," the group concluded.