Dublin, Ireland: Under the leadership of Brian and Monica Mathias of Dublin, Ireland, for the first time in the history of Ireland, Konkani lovers enjoyed a colourful and melodious Konkani Musical Nite. St. Mark’s GAA Hall in Dublin was filled with Konkani enthusiasts from all over Dublin and surrounding places. As it was a Friday long weekend evening, all the roads in Dublin were jammed with peak time traffic. However, it didn’t make any difference to Mangalureans who came from various parts to fill this hall and create history in Dublin by beating the traffic on time.
This rainbow event of talents featured variety of lively melodious songs in which visiting Konkani musical stars Kevin Misquith and Ashwin Sequeira rendered melodious Konkani Songs and MC Sheldon Crasta surprised the audience with his smooth flowing and mesmerising command on Konkani. Local singers Anil-Arathi D’Souza, Jeevan-Jasmine D’Souza, Ivy-Roshan Vas, Jacintha Lobo, Leena Lasrado, Loy Paula and Antony D’Souza enhanced the glory of the event.
The musical evening began with a welcome prayer by Fr. Suresh. Ashlyn Lobo performed a Bharathnatyam dance to a Konkani Prayer Song. Co-emcee Maria Lobo introduced emcee Sheldon Crasta who in turn introduced visiting stars Kevin Misquith and Ashwin Sequeira. He also introduced Chief Guest of the event Dr. Austin Prabhu who came all the way from Chicago, USA. Later, celebrity Monica Mathias’ 40th birthday was celebrated by cutting a cake to a Konkani Birthday Song. Sheldon introduced Monica with achievements in the field of nursing as a manager and her literary contributions to Konkani. He read one of her poems to the audience.
Dr. Austin Prabhu raised the toast for Monica and thanked all Ireland’s Konkani speaking audience for their attendance in witnessing the first ever Konkani musical nite in Ireland with young budding singer Kevin Misquith.
Pure Konkani comedy skits were performed by Alwyn Fernandes, Ajith Sequeira, Mark Castelino, Santosh Tauro, Leena Pinto where the audience burst out with laughter. It was a shower of Ireland’s Konkani talents that made Konkani-speaking crowd very proud.
Local talented Mangalurean dancers Shobha Lobo, Akash Lobo, Anna Sequiera, Chris Tauro, Ajith Sequeira and Diana Sequeira performed their dances to Konkani songs sung by Kevin Misquith, Ashwin Sequeira and local talents.
Delicious Mangalurean dinner and dessert were catered by Ireland’s famous Gregory & Lilly Sequeira. Anil D’Souza was the DJ for the entire event.
After dinner, Kevin Misquith and Dr. Austin Prabhu were felicitated with shawl, flower bouquets and fruits. Sheldon Crasta read their bios and the contribution to the Konkani world. The programme concluded with Laudate lead by Dr. Austin Prabhu. Brian and Monica Mathias played a major role in organising this successful Konkani musical event and created a new history in Dublin, Ireland.
