Who We Are
Since 1987 when Valerie Pakenham and Norman Ruddock decided to arrange concerts in the Great Hall, a voluntary group of dedicated local music lovers (the Derravaragh Music Association) has worked to bring worldclass musicians to Tullynally for audiences from across the midlands and around the country.
Over the years, this dedicated group has continued, with some retiring and others continuing to join and support the DMA. We owe a huge debt of thanks to these volunteer committee members past and present. In 2018, the DMA was formally set up as a company limited by guarantee with a small board of directors working along with the volunteer committee. The board and committee all give their time free of charge and in doing so, enable the concerts to continue.
In 2023, we were hugely saddened by the death of the DMA founder, our patron and friend, Valerie Pakenham. We miss her greatly as will the many performers who were welcomed to Tullynally with her warm hospitality. Thomas Pakenham has agreed to continue the tradition and has honoured the DMA by agreeing to be our patron for the future.
Our Patron: Thomas Pakenham
Our Board:
- Sheila Pratschke (Chair)
- Una Fitzgibbon (Co Secretary)
- Eliza Pakenham
Our Volunteer Committee:
- John Farrell
- Dawn Harmon
- Christopher Kelly
- Hugh Logan
- Octavia Tulloch
- Charney Weitzman
- Maire Weitzman
New volunteers are always welcome so please contact us at
Support us - donations
Help us continue to maintain a season of autumn and spring concerts for audiences in Westmeath and neighbouring counties. Ticket sales are kept at a reasonable price so that the concerts are as widely accessible as possible and especially to young audiences. Ticket sales alone do not cover costs; these performers are world class and must be treated accordingly. This is why donations are so important.
To donate, please give as generously as you can using bank transfer to the following account
Derravaragh Music Association
Bank of Ireland
IBAN IE03 BOFI 9018 5385 8937 24
BIC BOFIIE2D
Please ensure you put your name on the bank transfer and please email
WE'D LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
