Seanchai's storytelling event in Kiltoom for local twins

Knockcroghery-based seanchaí Vincent Pierse will share his inimitable yarns and stories at Kiltoom Parish Hall later this month at an event aimed at raising funds for two critically ill twin boys.

Born in north Kerry and living in Roscommon for the last 44 years, Pierse has captivated crowds across Ireland, Britain, the US and New Zealand with his stories.

On Friday, March 28, he'll put on a show a little closer to home, at a fundraiser for Roscommon 'Join Our Boys' brothers Isaac and George Naughton (14), both of whom suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Isaac and George’s older brother, Archie, also suffered from DMD and passed away in 2022, aged just 16. Now the Naughton family is looking to travel to the US for potentially life-saving treatment for Isaac and George. A crowdfunding campaign for the boys reached its €650,000 goal last month, but treatment costs have since risen, and the family desperately needs more funds.

“The sad bit about it is they had enough money,” Pierse told the Westmeath Independent, before explaining that the price of the procedure had increased by 25%, which he said was a consequence of US President Donald Trump's economic policies.

Though the cause which prompted the storytelling event could hardly be more serious, Pierse promised to deliver a night of good cheer in Kiltoom. "I know it’ll be an entertaining night, full of side-splitting stories and lots of laughter," he said.

Duchene Muscular Dystrophy is a rare neuromuscular disease that results in progressive deterioration in muscle strength and premature death. There is no known cure, but experimental treatment like that offered in the US can alleviate some of its symptoms.

There are more than 250,000 children and young adults living with DMD worldwide, according to Join Our Boys, the charity set up by the Naughton family to raise awareness of the disease and support research aimed at finding a cure.