Pictured are 55 children from Liscarroll National School who accompanied Sheila Fitzgerald in the recording of ‘Little Donkey’ which was filmed at the Donkey Sanctuary recently.
Sheila Fitzgerald and her band are releasing a Christmas single and video, titled ‘Little Donkey’, and proceeds will go to a most suitable charity, namely the Donkey sanctuary in Liscarroll. Sheila has always been a passionate advocate for animal nights, and is a huge admirer of the work that is done in the Donkey Sanctuary, so when the band were planning their Christmas video, they decided to choose a song and venue which would help raise awareness about animal welfare, and what better place than the Sanctuary in Liscarroll.
There is no doubt that children lend that special touch of magic to any Christmas Song, so Sheila spoke to Derval Vaughan, Principal of Liscarroll National School, about having the children take part. The band recorded the audio at the school with 3rd and 4th classes, and their teachers did a fantastic job preparing the children. They then added the junior classes who dressed up in their nativity costumes.
On December 1st, the band headed to the Donkey Sanctuary to record the video, and this they did with the help of the school teachers and Donkey Sanctuary staff Martha, Liz, Jack and Clody. Of course, the donkeys were delighted to get in on the act, while all to the children were brilliant throughout.
The video was recorded by Mike Sheehan and Ita Fitzgerald, while Eamon Collins provided some wonderful still images of the event.
Martha Brennan of the Donkey Sanctuary said, “We are thrilled that Sheila and Mike chose the Sanctuary for their latest video. We hope the song will be a huge hit and also that it will lead to lots more people taking an interest in the work that we do here.”
Liscarroll NS Principal Derval Vaughan said; “Our pupils really enjoyed taking part in the recording of ‘Little Donkey’ with Sheila. They said that it was really exciting and great fun and we were delighted to see the Donkey Sanctuary as the chosen venue for the video, such a perfect and apt location for this lovely Christmas carol.”
The single is already airing on all radio stations and the video can be viewed on Sheila’s Facebook page and also on various other social media platforms.
The video will also feature on the Hot Country Christmas Special on Sky TV and Freesat this Saturday, December 17th. Paying tribute to Hugh O’Brien, Proprietor of Hot County, Sheila said; “Hugh provides a fantastic platform for all performers. Recently, after another of our songs aired, we received offers to tour the USA and UK.”
Since Paddy Barrett founded the Donkey Sanctuary in 1987, over 5,600 abandoned donkeys from all over Ireland have been loved and cared for here. Every donkey taken into the sanctuary is guaranteed a life of loving care. For many it is the first time in their lives that they have felt loving hands and heard quiet voices. Great care is given to ensuring that each donkey has individual attention.
Currently the Sanctuary has over 1,800 donkeys and mules in its care. Over 670 of these donkeys reside in private guardian homes throughout the country as part of a re-homing scheme, and the remainder of the donkeys are based at the Sanctuary’s four farms in the Liscarroll area.
The video of ‘Little Donkey’ can be viewed and shared on Sheila’s Facebook page and various other social media platforms. “While we are offering the song free of charge to everyone, our wish this Christmas is that people donate to the Sanctuary,” said Sheila.
To donate to the cause, visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie and at the top of the home page you will see the ‘Donate’ button where you can give as little as €4 or any larger amount to ensure these beautiful animals who played such a central role in the story of Bethlehem can continue to be cared for in a loving environment,” Sheila added.