The community of Bannagh will welcome Mick Hanly
THE people of Bannagh have pulled off a significant coup by securing the services of singer/songwriter Mick Hanly to perform at their Community Hall on February 22.
In a unique project Mick is doing a project called ‘Coming to a village near you’ which is essentially the singer playing gigs in communities and villages throughout Ireland that normally don’t have gigs. The added extra is that the financial dimension is eliminated, in so far as is possible.
This means that not only do the people of Bannagh have no hefty concert fee to pay, but the audience donates what ever they feel is appropriate to Mick by way of payment. The only costs to the community association are sound for the gig, accommodation for Mick and €50 fuel costs.
Through the project Nick is hoping to deliver a great night of music and enjoy visiting and learning more about the Bannagh community. He will also produce a travel book detailing his experiences in the different Irish communities.
Secretary of the association Stephen Hey is delighted that Mick will be performing in Bannagh.
“Normally someone like Mick would cost a large amount of money if you booked him, but all he is taking is voluntary collection on the door. It should hopefully provide great exposure for us.
“We’re providing sound, but were holding a raffle to cover the costs of that and a neighbour is putting Mick up for the night.
“He’s taking the risk of nobody coming and we’re not out anything.It’s very unique, I’ve never heard of anything like this before.”
Stephen and the rest of the community are hoping for a big turnout as a way of thanking Mick for putting this small area of Fermanagh on the map.
“He could be asked tomorrow to perform at the Waterfront, but then again he could be just sitting at home in front of the TV. We’re very grateful though that he is coming to Bannagh.”
The concert starts at 8pm.