Gorey Ukes spread music and goodwill by raising €1,100 for Arklow Cancer Support

Gorey Ukes have been spreading music and goodwill with their musical fundraisers since 2018 and this year, they decided to give back to a cause close to their hearts.

At their recent fundraiser outside of Partridges in Gorey, the talented musicians raised a total of €1,100 for Arklow Cancer Support, making it their biggest fundraiser to date. The fundraiser hit particularly close to home for the group as their founder, Karen Redmond, has been receiving support from Arklow Cancer Support since receiving her cancer diagnosis in October.

"This year, they were adamant they wanted to do it for a cancer charity because, at the moment, I’m getting treatment for cancer. They knew I was getting support through Arklow Cancer Support and wanted to help me give back to them. To give back to a charity directly helping me is amazing,” said Karen. “I am so proud of the group.”

Karen and the members of the Gorey Ukes recently handed over the cheque to Arklow Cancer Support – an organisation that offers practical and emotional support for cancer patients, their family and friends in Arklow and the surrounding areas. In a statement, Arklow Cancer Support expressed their gratitude for the generous donation.

"We would like to say thank you to Gorey Ukes for choosing to support Arklow Cancer Support. Supporting our clients in Arklow and the surrounding areas is our number one priority. As we receive no government or HSE funding, events like this help us to maintain the running of our daily services.”

The fundraiser is one of the many organised by Gorey Ukes to date, with Talk to Tom and East Coast Samaritans just some of the other causes they have raised funds for. According to Karen, giving back is extremely important to the Gorey Ukes.

"Any time you see us playing on the street, we have a fundraiser for a charity in Gorey. They love playing, they love making people happy and they love giving back.”

This year will mark five years since the establishment of the Gorey Ukes and in the coming months, the musicians hope to celebrate with a party in the Loch Garman Arms. The group, which now comprises 50 members, was established by Karen in 2018. While Karen was always musical, having played the tin whistle growing up, it was an opportunity to learn the ukulele from her neighbour that turned her attention to that particular instrument. 

"A neighbour called in and said would I like to learn the ukulele. I wasn’t sure but I said I would give it a go. After a year, I learned so much and joined up with another woman and played with her. Then I set up the group in Gorey,” she explained. “The very first time, we met upstairs in the Coach House and 22 people came. They’re still part of the group and many others have joined in.”

Gorey Ukes meets once a week in the Masonic Lodge in Gorey to share and learn music, and a bit of fun.

"The group is just amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people. They’re such a great support to me and to each other. The sessions are very sociable. They all have something to say to one another and a bit of banter during the class.”

Anyone who is able to play the ukulele is welcome to join the group, said Karen, explaining that she takes on beginners once a year.