Tobar Mhuire Monastery Begins Fundraising Campaign With A Folk Concert Following Storm Éowyn Damage
Following Storm Éowyn late last January, many properies around the country were badly hit with considerable damage, and the Tobar Mhuire Passionist Monastery in Crossgar was also impacted considerably writes Jim Masson ©.
Tree and branches were blown down, causing widespread damage requiring a major response from the Passionists at the monastery.
Speaking just before the performance started, Fr Aidan said: “Trees were blown down and many fences in the heritage and walking trails were destroyed. It has been expensive to repair the damage. Fortunately our insurance covered most of the costs, but there were uninsured costs we were sadly faced with in this unexpected period of bad weather.
“We could not get insured for trees falling and causing damage and we have an extensive woodland of mature trees covering around just over 55 acres.
“We now need to fundraise for over £7,500 to pay for some of the costs. Tonight’s Irish folk concert by the great Andrea Rice Band from Downpatrick is leading our fundraising effort tonight and it is great to see so many people here tonight to enjoy their music.
“And I’d like to congratulate Aoife Dobbin in the band on her appointment as the music teacher at the Strangford Integrated Primary School.
The health and safety issues were paramount said Fr Aidan adding that trails were blocked, broken branches were hanging down and fences and guides were ruined. Therefore areas had to be marked off as no-go zones until made safe.
“I’d also like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr Tim Campbell from the St Patrick Centre. We really appreciate having this event in this great and important venue. It means so much to us.
“Also, our thanks go out to Eamonn McGrady and his family for their great support and organisation on the night. We really appreciate their efforts in making this event happen.
“And to the Passionist community and everyone who purchased tickets and raffle tickets, a huge thank you for your generosity and kindness.
“The funds raised here tonight will go a long way to helping Tobar Mhuire get back on its feet and ensure the trails are safe once again.”
Fr Aidan half-joked he was looking forward to the evening of music from the Rice family as he hadn’t been out since Covid!
Commenting on the evening of music, Andrea Rice, Downpatrick-based folk singer, said: “It was a pleasure to support this event. It was a great evening with plenty of craic and we all had a super evening. The feedback was excellent!
“Our daughter Aoife who plays the fiddle and bodhran, has been playing with us for 8 years now.
“It’s amazing that we played abroad in places such as the US and had summer trips to Norway and we were in Korea for 13 years. My husband Fee who plays the double bass and I started off 43 years ago. We’re playing more locally now.
“I play the guitar and the harp and sing. Although I have played the accordion on occasions.
“We’re delighted that the evening went so well for the Tobar Mhuire Storm Fund.”
The Tobar Mhuire estate was built in the early 19th century and in 1864 James Cleland renamed the estate after a local holy well. It has an interesting history as from 1942-45 US troops were billeted there during WWII.
But shortly after the war the Passionist Order bought the 55-acre estate and woodland with oak, beech, tall pines and other species for a juniorate and novitiate. Since the 80s it has also been used as a conference centre and a spiritual retreat, and has hosted many spiritual events.
The modern facility also has parking facilities, a shop, refreshments, toilets, and 3 kilometres of heritage walks and trails.
If you would like to make a donation to the Tobar Mhuire Storm Fund, please call into the reception in person at the centre – or you can pay by bank card by phoning the reception at : 028 44 830242.
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Tobar Mhuire is open for Mass daily at 9am Monday to Saturday. No mass on Sundays.
Confessions are on Friday and Saturday from 4-6pm.
