The Crossley community’s battle to save its church and hall from being sold off has served as a musical inspiration for local musician Shane Howard. Howard is one of the many artists who will take to the St Brigid’s Hall stage on Saturday for a fund-raising concert to be headlined by Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. Not only will the event raise funds to go towards the community’s attempt to buy the church and hall, it will also provide a setting for Howard to unveil his ode to the buildings and their importance to the people. ‘‘It’s called The Church Up On The Hill,’’ the Killarney singer-songwriter said. ‘‘It tells the story (of the buildings) and why that little place is so important.’’ Howard certainly knows the St Brigid’s story. His great grandmother and great grandfather moved to the area after escaping the Irish famine. They were married in the church and lived nearby. Howard continued his family’s connection to the St Brigid’s Church and Hall by marrying his long-time partner Teresa O’Brien there in January. ‘‘To go back and use the church and to honour the spirit of our ancestors in that way was really beautiful,’’ he said. ‘‘A lot of people in this area were baptised there. They were married there. They were buried there.’’ Shane won’t be the only Howard playing at Saturday’s concert. His siblings Damian and Marcia are also on the bill while his daughter Myra will make her musical debut. Also on the bill are Roach and Hunter, AmySaunders, Lyn Eales, Pete Daffy, Brett Clarke, Oriel Glennen, Lex’s Shed, SamMcNeil and the O’Shea Ryan Dancers. The concert starts at the St Brigid’s Hall from 7.30pm with all funds raised going towards the ‘‘buy back’’ effort.
Archie Roach, Shane Howard
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