Young musicians to help build creche in impoverished Peruvian city

SEVEN young Limerick musicians have embarked on a project which will take them half-way around the world to help impoverished young mothers.

The Magnificent Seven, aged between 18 and 23, are members of the Corpus Christi Pipes and Drum Band.

Next April, they travel to Peru, paying their own airfares, to help with the construction of a creche for children of poor families.

Band director, Fr Terry Loughran, said the project was to follow up on a commitment by band members to give time and energy to something for those less well-off than themselves.

“What is remarkable about this project is that it is being undertaken by young people from perhaps one of the most maligned areas of Limerick, who are concerned enough to go and try and make a difference in other peoples lives.”

The seven travelling are: Mary Purcell, Jacqueline Hayes, Barry Purcell, John O’Sullivan, Valerie Clohessy, Adrienne Schofield and Ann-Marie Meehan. All have been with the band for at least eight years.

Each will pay their own €1,200 airfare and accommodation costs.

Fr Loughran said: “They have now also started a major fund raising effort to raise €100,000 which will be channelled into various projects the Limerick group will assist during their two weeks in Peru.

“Over the coming months there will be table quizzes, carol singing, pool tournaments, Christmas card sales and businesses and companies in Limerick will also be circulated to ask for their assistance.”

The seven will be accompanied by Fr Loughran, local community garda, Dave Mulcahy; and community activist Tony O’Gorman

The project is coordinated by Andrew O’Byrne.

Fr Loughran said: “The people of Limerick need to be told stories such as this, thus giving them an opportunity to offer their support in any way possible. The image of Limerick has taken a battering in recent times yet so many good and positive stories go untold.”

He said the city of Chimbote, where the group will work and stay, is poverty stricken and they will try and help improve the quality with a new creche.

An account has been opened for anybody wishing to help the Limerick group’s mission to Peru, at the Bank of Ireland, 125 O’Connell Street, Limerick, sort code 90/43/09 a/c number 12084635 or by contacting Fr Loughran on 086 8103482.