Major Athlone country music fundraiser for The Katie Trust

A massive country music special is taking place in Athlone later this month in support of The Katie Trust.

The Katie Trust was born out of the death of Katie Simpson, the Northern Irish showjumper, and the questions that followed.

Her death was treated as suicide but was upgraded to a murder probe after her family questioned the direction of the initial police investigation.

A showjumping trainer, Jonathan Creswell, 36, died in 2024Ma while on trial for Ms Simpson's murder.

The trust supports people searching for answers after the death or disappearance of someone they love, including cases involving unexplained or accidental death, suspicious circumstances and missing persons.

The Athlone event is being organised by local retail worker Mary Joyce, who says the trust and its founder, retired PSNI detective sergeant James Brannigan, have provided amazing support for her in her quest for justice.

Mary made complaints that she was raped by a priest in the 1990s, but no prosecution has ensued.

In recent times, she has raised her case with both the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan and the Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly but remains deeply dissatisfied with progress on the matter.

Mary has found the support of The Katie Trust hugely helpful.

“It was the first time that I actually felt that I was being listened to and that I was actually been believed,” she said, of her encounter with James Brannigan.

“He is an amazing human being”.

“He has done so much for me,” she said.

The trust brings together experienced professionals, including former homicide detectives, forensic specialists, legal experts and trauma informed support, to help people understand information, identify unanswered questions and determine what may need to be examined further.

It also aims to provide training on investigative standards, victim support, and justice.

It is a registered charity in Northern Ireland, but receives no government or corporate funding.

She said that since it was officially founded in July 2025, The Katie Trust has been interacting with 120 families and five cases it assisted are now active homicide investigations.

The Country Music Extravaganza takes place in the Athlone Springs Hotel on Monday, October 19. Doors open at 7.30pm, with the show opening at 8pm.

Performing on the night is a list of country music royalty including TR Dallas, Olivia Douglas, John Molloy, David Kiernan, Julie Heaney, Megan O’Hara, Andrew McMurdie, Katelynn Marie, Matt Leavy, Shauna Kearns and more, with backing band Country Harmony.

Tickets are €20 and can be purchased at the hotel on the night and lots of spot prizes are promised.