Kneecap sell out Belfast Irish language charity gig in hours

The two Irish charities say they are blown away by the potential windfall from the concert.

The band say the gig "is about giving back to the communities that Kneecap was born out of. Communities that place humanity and solidarity before anything else."

All profits are going to Belfast's Glór na Mona Carraige Irish language youth and community hub and Sean Dolan's GAA and Irish language hub in Derry.

Glór na Mona uses youth work, youth support and youth activities to enhance the participation of young people in the revival of the Irish Language through youth clubs, youth programmes and accredited training programmes.. Two band members, Mogali Bap and Mo Chara availed of services here in their youth.

Glór na Móna, chairperson Conchur Ó Muadaigh said: "To say that we are overwhelmed at this groundbreaking news is an understatement. Kneecap came from our community revival and we are humbled and honoured that they have agreed to support us by giving back through this amazing Féile concert.

"The story of Kneecap is deeply connected to the Glór na Móna journey, with Liam Óg, Naoise and JJ all shaped in different ways by the youth, music, festivals, and language rights spaces created by Glór na Móna and An Dream Dearg. This historic donation will go directly to Croí na Carraige which is our flagship new capital project which will sustain our activist revival movement for the next generation."

In Dj Provai's home of Creggan, Sean Dolan's has risen from the ashes after fire gutted the club in December 2011, the arson attack threatened to end the GAC in the poverty-stricken area of the city.

"Sean Dolans are delighted to have been selected, alongside Glór na Móna, by Kneecap as a partner for their charity gig at this year's Féile an Phobail," a statement from the club said.

"With this support from JJ Ó Dochartaigh, we plan to launch an innovative Irish language initiative hub, An tSíol.

This will allow us to deliver community based Irish language programmes for club members and the wider community, including targeted classes for adults and fun immersion activities for younger players.

The intention of An tSíol is to have the Irish Language front and centre in the day-to-day life of Seán Dolans.

We are very grateful to Kneecap, particularly JJ, for their ongoing support of our club and for this investment which will help us grow and develop to better serve our community, through our native language and culture."