Newport's virtual wren group raises €7,500
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Tim Floyd (right) presenting the cheque for €7,500 to Joss Lowry, Milford Care Centre, with members of the group, Nora Coffey, Eilish Ryan, and Lily O’Grady.Image 2 of 2
Young Birdhill musicians at the presentation of the Hunting the Wren cheque to Milford Care Centre - Cillian Roche, Brian McAuliffe, Sarah McAuliffe, Ruiari Floyd, Elizabeth Floyd, Niamh Bourke, Martin Nolan, and Conor Floyd.EVEN a pandemic could not deter a local group of musicians and entertainers from engaging in an annual practice for charity, to which they have been dedicated for decades.
Instead of the traditional format for Hunting the Wren on St Stephen’s Day, the Birdhill Wren Group adopted a virtual format for last Christmas, which turned out to be their most successful ever as a fundraiser for charity. A handsome cheque for €7,500 has now been presented to Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Limerick, the worthy cause that they have been supporting annually through Hunting the Wren for more than a third of a century.
“Due to Covid-19 last Christmas, we felt that it would not have been possible for us to Hunt the Wren in the normal manner. We considered what could we do and it was decided to have a virtual Hunting of the Wren,” said Tim Floyd at the formal handing over of the proceeds.
“We weren’t sure how it was going to work, but it turned out to be our best year ever. We got tremendous support and we are delighted to have a cheque for €7,500 to present to Milford Care Centre tonight. It is highest we have ever collected in all the years we have been at it,” he added.
Present to accept the contribution on behalf of Milford Care Centre was Joss Lowry, who expressed the appreciation of the centre for the contribution. “It is a lot of money and I want to assure you that it will be put to good use. We continue to be very dependent on the generosity of the community for support and I know that you have been supporting the centre for a very long time,” he said.
He brought the good wishes of Sr Phyllis, who “always looked forward to meeting you, but is unable to be here this evening”. Tim Floyd thanked all who had helped to put together the virtual presentation of Hunting the Wren, and particularly all who were so generous with their support. He said that in the current circumstances it is likely that they will have to follow the same format for the coming St Stephen’s Day, because of the continued concern over the Covid-19 pandemic.
A group of the young musicians, who have been part of the Birdhill Wren Group’s tradition of Hunting the Wren annually, gave a rendering at the presentation of the cheque.