Just one year on from the anniversary of his passing, the country music singer Murt Downes was remembered with great fondness by his family at the presentation of the proceeds of a comp-ilation CD of his music at An Halla Mor in his native Knockaderry. Friends of St Ita’s Newcastle West, The Respite Centre Dromcollogher and Rathfredagh Cheshire were the beneficiaries of almost €10,000 generated by the CD since it was realeased for sale last April.
After a very successful launch in which over an estimated 350 people attended, a large volume of the CD featuring the best of his music which was aptly titled, The Cowboy Rides Away, were sold within a short number of weeks. Speaking at the presentation night, Ger Downes, Murt’s nephew, spoke of the overwhelming response after the launch, “It was just unbelievable, literally we couldn’t keep CDs in the shops, they just flew. As a family we knew how popular Murt and his music was but it was astonishing to see his CDs sell so quickly.” Indeed the family had to initiate another reproduction of CD’s within a month to cope with demand. Ger continues, “An army is only as good as its soldiers and I must say our family put in a phenomenal effort in getting the CDs out all over the county and beyond. It was a mighty achievement and we are so thankful for everybody who supported this initiative and helped in anyway to put up posters and sell CDs.”
The cheques, which were handed over at a very low key family event in Knockaderry in recent weeks, were accepted by representatives of each charity. “We know Murt would be very proud of this effort, it is a fantastic CD, 25 songs spanning his wonderful career and at just €10 it represents great value. We are delighted to hand the cheques over to such worthy local causes who do such amazing work in our community. Murt had a connection with all three charities and we know that this money will go to help other families locally who avail of these fantastic services” said Ger who was ably assisted by another two of Murt’s nephew’s, Michael Scannell and Patrick Downes. “This was a real Downes family driven project, so many people need to be thanked but too many to mention, all the effort though is greatly appreciated. And yes we still have a very small number of CDs left for sale and if people want to purchase one, just get in touch.” concluded Ger.
As the song says “the last goodbye is the hardest one to say” but Murt Downes has said a goodbye with his music that will be remembered forever.
Anyone wishing to purchase one of the last few remaining CDs can do so by contacting Ger Downes on 086-4026454.