Almost three decades after a memorable night in Gort in support of Bóthar, the farm-related enterprise that had its origins in Limerick in 1989, an effort to recreate the spirit and enthusiasm of that occasion will take place at Sullivan’s Hotel on 19 October.

Behind the venture is Tom Mulkern from nearby Kilchreest, who was to the fore of the big night hosted in the same venue 27 years ago.

“In 1991 I was asked to sell a good, in-calf, purebred Holstein Friesian heifer to Gort Chamber of Commerce. She joined a planeload of 70 in-calf heifers going to Uganda. Mary and I decided it would be a great idea to donate the heifer and also get involved in a fundraiser to help with the cost of the flight,” says Tom.

“I booked the ballroom at Sullivan’s Hotel and then booked Kathy Durkin and her seven-piece band. I also got many of my friends to form the Elm Tree Céilí Band. Between both bands, we had four hours of dancing.

Kathy Durkin.

“Johnny Sullivan said it was the largest crowd at Sullivan’s Hotel in his 25 years as proprietor. It was a great achievement and raised £2,000 for Bóthar. Our heifer, Boycastle Princess 64, turned out to be the best milking cow on the overall scheme. She went to a couple who had six small children and she produced 40l of milk per day. The sale of the extra milk paid for the children’s education.”

Bóthar, which began as an enterprise with the aim of sending as many dairy cows to Africa as possible, continues to play an important role. The need for constant support for their outreach programme in overseas countries remains as strong as ever.

The support of the late TJ Maher, former IFA president who also represented the Munster constituency as an Independent MEP for 15 years, played a huge role in galvanising recognition and support for the great work being undertaken by Bóthar. The name TJ Maher remains inextricably linked with the project.

Tom Mulkern came up with the idea of recreating memories of that special night in 1991 as a tribute to his wife, Mary, who died earlier this year in April: “We were both passionate about the work of Bóthar and this night in Gort is dedicated in her honour. As part of the recreation, I decided to contact Kathy Durkin in Cavan and she was more than delighted to support the venture, while also recalling the huge crowd that attended the dance back in 1991.

Andreas Durkin.

“She is getting a band together for the night and will also be joined by her son, Andreas, who is carving out his own niche on the music circuit. He is a very talented young man.

“I have again rounded up many of those who played with me in the céilí band back then to come together for a reunion and we will be on stage before Kathy and her band, so it should be another great night in Gort.”

The Bands Play On For Bóthar night takes place in Sullivan’s Hotel in Gort on Friday 19 October from 8pm until late. Admission is just €10 and tickets are available from Sullivan’s Hotel on 091-631257, or from Tom Mulkern on 086-8752919. All support will be most welcome for this worthy cause.