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Covid impact Singer Mary Coughlan says she felt guilty applying for a grant to complete album

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Mary Coughlan

Mary Coughlan

Mary Coughlan

Eugene Masterson

SINGER Mary Coughlan confesses she feels guilt about getting a €6,000 grant to make a new album – but says it was necessary.

Like all musicians suffering during the pandemic – with no live shows to provide much needed income – the Galway star has struggled to finance projects.

The 64-year-old singer said she decided to apply for a grant to First Music Contact (FMC) - an agency set up with public funds money to help artists because of the dramatic drop in her income.

“Everyone in this business (and all businesses) have lost their livelihoods this year, and I’d say for most of next year,” the Blue Surrender singer observed.

“An opportunity arose from FMC to apply for funding to make an album next year. to be completed by March 2021

"I figured I could do a project I’ve wanted to do to about 15 years. It will cost about €20,000

"I applied for one amount of money and I got it, €6,000.”

She adds on a Facebook post: “I’ve spoke to a lot of people about it and how bad I felt about accepting €6,000 for a new project when I still owe money for the last one!

“I feel however I can pay my band for rehearsal and SOME of the recording costs and I will raise the rest myself as I’ve always done."

She said she believes some of the comments on social media about the grant have been unfair.

“I can’t begin to articulate how bad I feel for the people who applied for modest amount of money to EITHER write / record OR promote work already made ,” she noted.

"FB and Twitter have been filled with comments about the FMC process all week.

"Things have been said because people are hurting and feeling very, very undervalued..

“It’s a very bad situation. I have been lucky to do something I love dearly for 36 years and hopefully will continue to that as long as I live . There have been good and bad days

“People still owe me money. F** it . I say, there is always karma and justice .

“I will accept the €6,000 from FMC and start a project and I will pay a small studio and my band.

“I will work hard when I can and earn the money to finish it. The process will be enjoyable as ever and I look forward to presenting it to you all in the future.”

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