Concert raises thousands for Air Ambulance in memory of Caitlin

Concert raises thousands for Air Ambulance in memory of Caitlin

29 October 2025

ORGANISERS and performers involved in a recent charity concert in Downpatrick which raised just over £4,233 for Air Ambulance NI have been thanked for their efforts.

Local band Dirty Little Secret was one of a number of acts that took to the stage at the town’s Denvir’s Coaching Inn, with the impressive amount raised enough to fund the Air Ambulance’s lifesaving work across Northern Ireland for half a day.

The local band organised the event to give back to the community and honour those whose lives that have been touched by tragedy. 

Their motivation was deeply inspired by several personal experiences, including the passing of 13 year-old Caitlin Hogg in December 2022, friends in the motorbike community, as well as close connections with the Downpatrick community. 

The concert brought together a wealth of local musical talent with performances from Uke Lecales, Take It Easy, Gerry Walsh and Folk This, Jim Strummer and Speedy Mullan, Ken and Carl Papenfus, Trist, Emberband, and Every March.

The event not only raised vital funds for Air Ambulance NI but also celebrated Downpatrick’s thriving live music scene. 

The charity works in partnership with the Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland. 

The service operates 365 days a year and can reach anywhere in the province in 25 minutes or less, bringing advanced medical care directly to the scene of serious incidents. 

Dirty Little Secret has shared its appreciation for the overwhelming community support for the charity event.

“We’ve been blown away by the generosity shown by everyone involved, from the musicians who shared the stage with us to the businesses and individuals who supported the event in so many ways,” said the band.

“Our aim was to bring people together through live music while helping an incredible cause and the response has been humbling. Downpatrick has such a strong community spirit and this event showed that perfectly.” 

The band also expressed sincere thanks to local businesses whose generosity made the event possible, including BD Blinds Annacloy, Lough Rooms at the Artisan Cookhouse Strangford, McKeever’s Chemist Ardglass and Jane Gowdy, Golf Driving Range,.

Downpatrick businesses JJ Donnelly’s Menswear, Hanlon’s, Gibney’s Off-sales, McGreevy’s Butchers and Denvir’s were thanked for their support.

Thanks have also been extended to Leah Gaines Photography and John Magee Photography, who captured fantastic images of the night. 

Air Ambulance NI community fundraising coordinator, Bebhionn Hardy, praised the band and local community for their efforts.

“We are so grateful to Dirty Little Secret and the people of Downpatrick for their incredible support,” she said.

“This was a wonderful community event, filled with energy, compassion, and purpose. Every pound raised helps our medical team deliver critical care to patients across the province that can mean the difference between life and death. 

“It’s truly inspiring to see local musicians and residents unite for such a meaningful cause.” 

And Dirty Little Secret hopes the success of the concert will inspire similar community-led events in future, helping to keep live music thriving while supporting charities that make a real difference.” 

On average, the air ambulance medical team is alerted twice every day, whether that is as a result of a serious road traffic collision, farm or workplace accident, sport and leisure incident or a serious medical emergency. 

As a charity, Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £3m each year to maintain and sustain its service so public donations are crucial.