A fundraising drive has been launched to save one of east Donegal’s most famous old dance halls.
To kick it off, a St Brigid’s Day coffee morning, cake sale and raffle will take place tomorrow in support of efforts to preserve Kinny Cally Hall in St Johnston. The event will run from 10 am to noon at the St. Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre.
The historic hall is a one-room stone structure which was popular for miles around as a music and dance venue in the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s.
It remained in use throughout the 1970s when it was used for traditional music and dance lessons. It was also once a favourite haunt for world-famous traditional fiddler, Tommy Peoples, who was raised nearby. However, over the years it has fallen into a state of disrepair and is currently in danger of deteriorating altogether.
Last year a massive volunteer effort resulted in the clearing of dense foliage which had hidden the Hall almost entirely from view. The next step in the preservation process is to replace the leaky corrugated tin roof to prevent further damage to the interior of the structure.
All funds raised at the Coffee Morning will go towards the cost of labour and materials required to replace the roof.
So come along for a cuppa, some cake and the craic in the name of a very good cause!