It's heartwarming to see people coming together to make a difference in the lives of others, especially when it involves music. Derek Ryder of The Gift of Music was approached last year and asked if he and the other members of the organisation could donate musical instruments to Ukrainian and Irish children in Cahersiveen. He was then asked if he could source a baby grand piano. Derek found the Hackett family in Dublin, who decided to donate their baby grand piano and also sponsored its transportation to Cahersiveen. The piano arrived in Cahersiveen in late September last year.
Local man Cormac Dineen, who spearheaded the project along with the local Ukrainian community, suggested finding a deserving recipient of the baby grand Piano.
Together, they connected with Scoil Saidhbhín. The piano had been in the Hackett family for generations and was a treasured possession. Despite being in need of repairs, it was clear that it was a special instrument with a rich history and very special sound .
Moloney pianos in Midleton were asked to restore the piano and have made an excellent job, they will will be involved in it's maintenance. The community is now being asked to come together to help raise the funds needed to cover the cost of the repairs. The piano is a valuable addition to the school's music program, and any donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference in preserving this beautiful instrument for generations to come.
The story of the Hackett family's donation and the restoration of their beloved piano is a reminder of the power of music to connect people across borders and generations. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, it's heartening to see people coming together to make a positive impact. The Gift of Music's donation of musical instruments and the Hackett family's donation of their piano are just two examples of how music can bring people together and make a difference in the lives of others.
The piano, a John Broadwood & Sons , manafactured in the mid 1920s, will be used by students in the school who are learning the piano, and it's inspiring to think that this instrument could be the starting point for a lifelong love of music for some of these children. The newly repaired piano will provide a beautiful and inspiring sound for years to come, and it's wonderful to know that it will be cherished by generations of students at Scoil Saidhbhín. Please donate what you can - https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/CahersiveenGrandPiano
