Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 5:00pm

Andrew Grene's friends celebrate his life with fundraiser

The late Andrew Grene.

A traditional Irish music night with barbecue buffet and auction will be held in The Harbour Bar in Belturbet on Friday of next week, March 19, in aid of the Andrew Grene Foundation.

The Andrew Grene Foundation is a secular charity that provides educational assistance and other support to the Haitian people where a transformational difference can be made. The foundation is named in memory of Andrew Grene who perished in Port au Prince with so many thousand others in the earthquake of January 12, 2010. His belief in the joy, spirit, and potential of all people was an inspiration to those who knew him.

This event is being organised by friends of the late Andrew from the Belturbet and Milltown area. Music will be by Ted Sweeney and friends, who were among his close friends.

Malachy McDwyer, one of the organisers, had this to say about the diplomat:

"Andrew was a very humble and grounded person. He was extremely popular, an absolute lovely man, who treated pauper and prince alike. From a personal point of view, any time spent in his company was pure joy, with music, craic and ceol."

Noting that everyone involved is giving services (including the venue, entertainment, food and wine) and time free of charge for the cause, Malachy feels it's appropriate that Ted Sweeney and friends will provide the entertainment.

"Andrew was a fantastic musician. He played the button accordion and loved traditional music, as does his twin brother, Gregory. In fact, all of the people who are involved in this event would have attended the summer parties held by the Grenes in their home in Co. Cavan each Summer. It is our way of celebrating his life. The Haitian people were very close to his heart. The funds raised will go to educating children there and he would have wanted that."

Noting that there has been huge local generosity to the Andrew Grene Foundation already, Malachy says this was because "everyone appreciates what a fantasic person he was, the work he did and the number of lives he touched".

He extended thanks to Maureen and Aodhagan Fitzpatrick, Harbour Bar proprietors, for the venue, and to all who donated gifts for the charity auction or are helping in any way.

• Evening starts at 8pm, €15 covers barbecue buffet with glass of wine; traditional music by Ted Sweeney and friends, recitals and an auction. Pay at the door. All proceeds to Andrew Grene Foundation. Contact the Harbour Bar for more information.