The children of Scoil an Athar Tadhg have recently recorded a CD for Anam Cara and CRY. They are joined by Derek and Dervla Burke of Crystal Swing fame on two songs on this beautiful CD.

Mr Hanafin thanked Crystal Swing who came to Carraig na bhFear for rehearsal prior to recording and gave so generously of their time. Both Derek and Dervla were fantastic with the children. The children couldn’t let the occasion pass without asking Derek to do the Hucklebuck!

Cork ladies football manager, Eamon Ryan, was on hand on Wednesday last to launch this, the school’s fourth charity CD. Mr Joe Hanafin, a Kerryman, welcomed Eamon and thanked him even though he has been responsible for the suffering endured by the Kerry ladies team over the past ten years.

Mr Hanafin explained how SNA Martina Barry had chosen this year’s recipients of CD funds. Mrs Barry who works in the school’s Autism Unit lost her beautiful 14 year old daughter Lydia last January 12 months to a sudden Asthma attack. Anam Cara offer support to bereaved parents while CRY provide screening to surviving siblings. Both charities have worked extensively in the Cork area in recent years.

Mr Eamon Ryan spoke of his admiration for the work of both charities that help families in what is a terrible time in their lives. He stated how CRY came to prominence after the death 10 years ago of Tyrone captain Cormac McAnallan. Their work has saved many young lives. Eamon Ryan spoke of his admiration for the McAnallan family to whom he has become a firm friend in recent years.

He also stated how he wished Anam Cara were there many years ago. His sister Mary died from Meningitis at the age of four and her death had a profound effect on his father. Eamon believed his father never recovered after the devastating loss of Mary. Anam Cara would have been, as it is today, an outlet of support at what was a very challenging time for his family.

Eamon thanked God and praised the strength and courage of his mother who no doubt also suffered but in his words, “she was a powerful woman” who always did her best and stay strong for her family. He wished all involved in the project success and hoped they reach their goal and collect €5,000 for these wonderful charities.

School principal, Mr Dermot O’Driscoll, thanked Eamon for his kind words and Crystal Swing for accompanying the children on the CD. He also thanked guest musicians, Mick Collins, Martin Leahy and Killian McCarthy who joined Noel Collins and Tara Lyons from the school in providing accompaniment. Mr Hanafin and Mr Phillip O’Brien who co-ordinated the project thanked their fellow staff who worked so diligently in preparing the children for the recording. The CD will be on sale at various locations throughout the county over the coming weeks.

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