Trinity Ents has raised over €1,000 for the Peter McVerry Trust as part of its online Trinity Christmas Ball.
The ball included performances from Trinity musicians Gemma Cox, Blueberry Rouge, Oscar Blue, Banríon, Eve Bell, Trophy Wife and Greg Tisdall.
The performances were prerecorded last Monday in the Workman’s Club and streamed online last night.
A number of high-profile politicians – such as Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu, leader of Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald, Garry Gannon TD and senators Ivana Bacik and Lynn Ruane – came out in support of the Ball, congratulating the union for organising the event and urging those watching to make a donation.
Leader of Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald said in a promotional video for the ball that she hoped students were “enjoying their evening – in fact, I hope you’re having a ball”.
Provost Patrick Prendergast said in the same video that “it’s a great thing you’re doing in support of the Peter McVerry Trust. I’m sorry I can’t be there myself with you this evening but well done and congratulations”.
Speaking to The University Times, Ents Officer Hugh McInerney said: “Myself and everyone in Ents are delighted that we have managed to raise over €1,000 for such a worthwhile and wonderful charity.”
“We’d like to extend massive thanks to everyone who performed, watched and donated.”
“While we raised money for such a worthy charity that really needs it, we also wanted to provide the entertainment that students deserve and we’re happy that the concert achieved both of these goals”, he added.
Tadhg Williams, Trinity Ents’ live music officer, was “instrumental in making the concert happen”, McInerney said, coordinating the acts and helping present on the night.
McInerney also said that “it was a fully Trinity organised event”, adding that “it was a genuine and wholesome experience – the perfect way to end such a hectic term”.
Earlier in the year, Trinity Ents ran another online concert in conjunction with other Irish colleges, something McInerney said the union has built on.
“We’re super happy in how we improved production and cut costs. From the live chat we could see students really engaging and just having fun”, he concluded.
