Meath singer Maria Butterly will perform a special concert in support of the Irish Motor Neurone Association in St Patrick’s Church, Trim, on Sunday 9 November at 5pm. She will be joined by special guest, former Eurovision star Charlie McGettigan.

This week sees the release of her third single, Heaven, which is taken from her highly acclaimed debut album, Blue Mandolin, the proceeds of which are also in support of the Motor Neurone Association.

“So many people have been afflicted with motor neurone, including the late RTÉ sports correspondent Colm Murray, who did so much to highlight the problems faced by people when they hear the news and have to cope with it. The society does invaluable work to help those diagnosed,” says Maria.

A native of Laytown, Co Meath, Maria is passionate about her music, which covers a number of genres. She lived in America for a few years, perfecting her repertoire while performing at hit venues such as Nashville’s Bluebird Café, The House of Blues (LA) and New York’s world-famous Mercury Lounge. Over the years, she has played alongside Bob Wooten (Johnny Cash’s Band), Raul Malo (The Mavericks), Hal Ketchum, Damien Rice, Eleanor McEvoy and Mundy.

She wrote a song, Quiet Man, which she performed for Hollywood legend Maureen O’Hara on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Maria also rendered this song at the unveiling of the lovely monument to Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne in The Quiet Man village of Cong on the Mayo-Galway border last year.

“I am hoping that as many as possible will come along to St Patrick’s Church on Sunday evening. The event is free. There will be a raffle on the night and all donations will be most welcome. All proceeds go directly to the Motor Neurone Association,” says Maria.