Navan Pride CLG organised a musical fundraiser in The Lantern in Navan on the 16th of May called “Loud & Proud” featuring artists Quinn Smullen, Colette Clinton, Joy Booth and Micah. The fundraiser was in aid of Willow Domestic Abuse Services, the new name for Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services, who happens to be Navan Pride’s 2026 charity partner.
All ticket sales and raffle tickets went towards the charity. The event was supported by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality through the LGBTQ+ Community Services Fund 2025.
This was the first of many Pride events of the year organised by Navan Pride, who will hold their annual pride festival from the 15th to the 20th of June, with a parade through Navan Town planned on the 20th of June.
Another fundraiser for Willow Domestic Abuse Services will take place in the form of a Quiz on the 17th of June in The Central, hosted by Father Ted’s Joe Rooney from Drogheda.
Navan Pride’s event manager, Manita Mewa in her opening speech, who also served as MC for the night stated:
“This is about music, connection, inclusion and people coming together for a really good cause. Every euro raised tonight goes towards Willow Domestic Abuse Services to support the incredible and vital work that they do for individuals and families in our community. Navan Pride was created to celebrate diversity, visibility, solidarity with LGBTQ+ friends, family, neighbours and allies and seeing a room like this full of support means so much. While our fundraiser is called Loud and Proud, sometimes abuse happens in silence, so we need to remember that, and not everyone can come out, so we are here to support them”.
The musicians on the night did a mixture of cover songs and original songs with some songs touching on the themes of relationship breakdowns. Joy Booth did a cover of Dusty Springfield’s “Spooky”, telling the crowd “This is a song by Mary O’Brien, aka Dusty Springfield, Dusty was out and proud before it was acceptable to come out, so can you imagine what she faced in the 60’s. She was unapologetic in who she was”. Micah finished off the night with songs from ABBA, Chappel Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Tina Turner as well as her own original songs.
Emily, a representative from Willow Domestic Abuse Services, whonot attend on the night but left a message for all attendees:
“Willow Domestic Abuse Services have been formally supporting women and children in County Meath for almost 40 years. We are truly grateful for your support tonight. 1 in 4 women will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Last year alone we supported 188 women and children in our refuge, along with a further 500 women and children in the community across County Meath. Events like this are vital in helping us continue to provide central services including counselling, play therapy and ongoing maintenance of our refuge. Just as importantly they help raise awareness of the support available and encourage those experiencing abuse to come forward and seek help. If you or someone you know needs support, our free confidential 24 hour services helpline is available – 1800 46 46 46, you can also find more information of our services and support on our website – www.willowdas.ie and our social media channels. Enjoy the night and thank you so much for your kindness it makes a world of a difference”.
The Navan Pride Committee raised over €1000 for Willow Domestic Abuse Services through the fundraiser entry fees and monster raffle, with some prizes sponsored by Specsavers and Supervalu.
Navan Pride kicks off on the 15th of June with a Wicked For Good Movie Night in The Solstice Arts Centre, you can find our more information on www.navanpride.ie
