Money raised in memory of singer-songwriter Niall

Money raised in memory of singer-songwriter Niall

4 November 2015

GUITAR students have helped raise over £500 for the Daisy Lodge complex in Newcastle.

The young musicians, who are all students of Mona Owens, recently staged their fundraising show at Hillyard House in Castlewellan.

One of the highlights of the show was the presentation of the Niall Rice Music award to the top students. Niall was Mona’s nephew who sadly died five years ago from a brain tumour.

The special award was made to honour Niall’s memory by celebrated local guitar maker, George Lowden.

The joint winners of the award this year are Caitlin Kennedy, from St Malachy’s Primary School,
Castlewellan, and Patrick Brady and Connaire Magorrian from St Patrick’s Primary School, Burrenreagh, both from Bryansford. 

Mona said that as well as being devoted to his much-loved family, music was Niall’s passion.

“Niall was a full-time musician, a singer-songwriter who was known for performing in Belfast and Downpatrick,” said Mona. “Niall was into blues and pop. He knew his music was making people happy, and that was the main thing in Niall’s life.

“He always went the extra mile to help people and he was very proud to be from Ballynahinch.” Mona would like to thank all the local and business people in Castlewellan for their support with the concert.

“Every year I like to invite my guitar classes to put on a show for Daisy Lodge,” said Mona. “My theme for these shows is children helping children through music.

“This year my event was sponsored by George Lowden of Lowden guitars and in total the show raised £571.35 for Daisy Lodge. 

“Thanks goes to Jamie Lawson who is number one in the UK album chart, who very kindly signed a copy of his album for one of the prizes. Derek Ryan sent me a CD, Sean Wallace, Ireland’s top country promoter, got Lisa McHugh to sign a copy of her CD, and for all Hugo Duncan fans, Hugo donated a lovely mirror to Daisy Lodge and JRs of Castlewellan has it for sale.

“The ‘Mind Your Mate’ CD was also a prize. This CD is available in JR’s and Smyth’s Newacstle. Local singers recorded this very special CD for the PIPS MYMY (Mind Your Mate and Yourself) charity.”

Niall’s music can still be heard on his Forever Young CD, which was put together with the help of Niall’s cousin Finbar McGrady. Details can be found at niallrice.bandcamp.com.