2023
UCC announces ‘A Night on the Plaza’
- Tickets now on sale for open air concert in aid of Cancer Research @ UCC
UCC General Services, working with UCC Alumni and Development, is delighted to announce ‘A Night on the Plaza’, an open air concert on UCC’s campus, celebrating the music and legacy of The Eagles with Dezperado in aid of Cancer Research @UCC.
After their successful sold-out show in the Everyman on May 2022, Dezperado will return to Cork to recreate the legendry sound of The Eagles live from University College Cork. Performing the greatest hits, along with songs from the solo careers of Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, this show will also include a brass section to re-create the live experience as seen at The Eagles concerts. This not-to-be-missed concert is one for all music fans. Hosted by Elmarie Mawe (96fm), the concert will also feature rising stars Korey Power and Dylan Brickley.
Dylan Brickley is an emerging singer-songwriter from Cork. Having travelled all over Europe, Australia and Asia busking and playing music in bars, he has returned home to share his debut single ‘Close To You’. Cork musician Korey Power has released three chart topping singles and is currently working on some new music.
Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC, said: “A Night on the Plaza, will be a special occasion where we will come together through the power of music to support a cause that truly matters. By raising funds for Cancer Research @ UCC, we are making a significant impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. Together, we can make a difference."
Building on the legacy of A Concert in the Quad, the concert marks the 16th open-air concert at UCC and is the first to take place on the plaza outside UCC’s recently restored Honan Chapel. Each year, a small group of volunteers from across UCC and An Garda Síochána’s Community Policing create a unique, fully-seated, open-air annual concert, while ensuring that all funds raised go towards supporting a designated charity.
Supporting essential cancer research
Proceeds from ‘A Night on the Plaza’ will go towards supporting Cancer Research @UCC which aims to improve cancer outcomes and significantly impact the quality of life for those living with and beyond cancer.
Cancer is the biggest killer in Ireland, accounting for approximately 30% of deaths here annually. Cancer rates in Ireland were ranked third highest in the world last year. Innovations in cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, and other interventions are urgently needed in the areas of cancer prevention, early detection, and management of recurrent disease.
"The team here at Cancer Research @UCC is committed to improving cancer outcomes for our community through excellence in research. The funds raised at the ‘Night on the Plaza’ will allow us to have a profound impact on the lives of individuals living with and beyond cancer in our region. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our colleagues and community for their support. Through collective efforts, together we are creating a brighter future for all those touched by a cancer diagnosis," said Professor Roisin Connolly, the Professor Gerald O’Sullivan Chair in Cancer Research at University College Cork (UCC) and Director of Cancer Research @UCC.
Cancer Research @UCC works to save lives through the integration of innovative laboratory-based and patient-focused cancer research, alongside the provision of high-quality cancer research training opportunities.
Pat Cotter, General Services Duty Officer at UCC, reflected on the success of open-air concerts on campus: “It is truly an honour to welcome back this wonderful event to our campus after three years. This year in particular it holds tremendous significance as it supports a cause that has touched the lives of many. I am deeply grateful to the people of Cork for their continued support and generosity in making these charity concerts a resounding success year after year. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer and contribute to the advancement of medical research.”
Tickets, priced at €40, are now on sale. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards supporting Cancer Research @UCC.