Musicians to perform live 'Station Stations' gigs nationwide in aid of Focus Ireland

Some of Ireland's brightest talents are expected to join forces this Christmas in the unusual setting of Iarnród Éireann stations at night to raise money for homelessness causes.

The Station Sessions will bring back the joy of live music to your homes this year in aid of Focus Ireland, with performances streamed digitally over three consecutive nights.

Covid-19 has decimated the live music industry this year, but that won't stop Irish artists from partnering with Focus Ireland and Iarnród Éireann for a fourth year to raise vital funds.

Ordinarily, the company facilitates in station carol singing events to give customers the opportunity to donate, but due to the public health restrictions the campaign has changed. However, music on a virtual platform will still be available for all to enjoy.

It is hoped that this new and innovative way of bringing music into people’s homes will encourage those that can to donate whatever they can afford.

Kicking off at Heuston Station, Mary Coughlan, The Riptide Movement, Eleanor McEvoy, Brian Kennedy and Mundy will take to the stage. The second gig will see performances in Cork's Kent Station from Jack O'Rourke, Mick Flannery, Emer O'Flaherty Quartet and Emma Langford. Not only is Emer O'Flaherty a brilliant musician, she has also recently joined Iarnród Éireann their Irish Language Officer. Finally, Pearse Street will host magnificent renditions from Statelights, Damien Dempsey, Erica Cody and Ollie Cole.

These concerts give music lovers a great opportunity to enjoy live music once again in their own homes while highlighting the importance of coming together, to donate much needed funds to help fight the issues of homelessness in Ireland.

“There are now nearly 8,656 people homeless and it is truly heart-breaking to see that 2,583 of these are children according to latest figures," Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan said.

"We must always remember that behind these shocking statistics are real people that need our help to secure a place to call home. During this difficulty year Focus Ireland has helped approximately 1,630 children in 760 families to secure a home so far this year in partnership with the State and its supporters. Over the next few weeks, I am asking anyone to please give what they can afford to support our urgent Christmas appeal with the help of Iarnród Éireann," Dennigan adds.

"We really do depend on donations now more than ever to raise funds so our services can cope with the constantly rising demand.”

Check out the full Station Sessions line-up below:

December 8th at 8pm, Heuston Station Session:

Mary Coughlan
The Riptide Movement
Eleanor McEvoy
Brian Kennedy
Mundy

December 9th at 8pm, Kent Station Session:

Jack O Rourke
Mick Flannery
Emer O’ Flaherty Quartet
Emma Langford

December 10th at 8pm, Pearse Station Session:

Statelights
Damien Dempsey
Erica Cody
Ollie Cole