LIMERICK’S brightest stars across folk, rock, and classical music have joined forces on a powerful single to support The Haven Hub, a vital mental health charity urgently seeking funds to open its innovative drop-in centre in Limerick City. Situated near the Treaty Stone, the centre is set to open its doors in February, offering a lifeline to the community.
The musicians recorded a cover version of ‘Animal Instinct’ by The Cranberries, with the blessing of the band and the family of the late Cranberries’ lead singer Dolores O’Riordan.
The track features an impressive array of artists, including folk star Emma Langford, Irish-Palestinian artist Róisín El Cherif, Noelle O’Riordan (Dolores’ cousin), classical singers Eve Stafford and Sarah Dolan, rising talents Abe Soare and Dylan Flynn, and the children’s choir from Corpus Christi School in Moyross, among others.
The single debuted on Wednesday, January 15, marking the seventh anniversary of Dolores O’Riordan’s passing. Accompanied by a heartfelt video produced by Crude Media’s Shane Serrano, the project features volunteers from The Haven Hub, members of the Limerick Suicide Watch patrol team, and residents from across the Limerick community, emphasising the shared commitment to mental health awareness.
The Haven Hub
Founded in December 2019, The Haven Hub began as a grassroots initiative in Limerick City to provide late-night support for individuals in emotional distress or at risk of suicide.
Originally operating out of the Bedford Row Community Centre, the charity is now preparing to relocate to its permanent home in Thomondgate, near Clancy Strand. This new facility, named The Haven Hub Mid-West Mental Health Community Centre, aims to officially launch in February.
Pat Doran, Chairperson of The Haven Hub, highlights the extensive support services available at the centre, from homelessness and addiction resources to LGBTQ+ support. “These services are crucial in maintaining mental health,” says Doran. “Through this centre, we want to increase awareness of these options and ensure people know where to turn in challenging times.”
The charity’s new location, granted by the council on a 30-year lease for a nominal rent, requires significant funding for repairs and renovations to make the space fully operational.
To help address this urgent need, the group reached out to Emma Langford in 2024, inviting her to spearhead a collaborative fundraising project uniting artists from diverse musical genres.
A song with purpose
“The Haven Hub is a cause close to my heart, and this song is a perfect fit to raise funds for them,” says Langford.
“‘Animal Instinct’ tells the story of someone coming to terms with their struggles in a beautifully vulnerable way. But ultimately the song’s message is one of hope; it’s that we have this animal instinct to fight and to survive.”
Pat Doran echoes Langford’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of the single’s message.
“Our new Mid West Mental Health Community Centre, generously granted to us by Limerick City and County Council, will stand as a symbol of hope.
“It will be Ireland’s first dedicated community centre focused solely on mental health and mental health supports, offering vital information and resources at its core.”
The track features an extraordinary lineup of vocalists:
Emma Langford, Abe Soare, Noelle O’Riordan, Ronan Mitchell (Fox Jaw), Dylan Flynn (Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets), Annie Cheevers, Eve Stafford, Fint Tynan (Raging Sons), Siobhán O’Brien, Tríona Horan, Ann Blake, Róisín El Cherif, Jean McGlynn, Michelle Grimes, Sarah Dolan, Joyce Zacks, and the Corpus Christi School choir.
Instrumental contributions include Ben Wanders on drums, Ann Blake (Brad Pitt Light Orchestra) on bass, Steve Ryan (Windings, Giveamanakick) on electric guitar, and Emma Langford on acoustic guitar.
The track was recorded, mixed, and produced by Ben Wanders at Wanderland Recording Studio in Limerick City and mastered by Richard Dowling at Wav Mastering, also in Limerick.
A community effort
Before recording the single, the supergroup debuted in October 2024 on the stage of Dolan’s Warehouse during Music for Mental Health, an annual concert organised by Karl Daly to raise funds for local mental health resources.
The event was a resounding success, bringing the community together in support of the cause.
Leona O’Callaghan, founder of The Haven Hub, reflects on the charity’s journey over the past five years. “It’s been a massive journey,” she says. “We’ve not only expanded geographically but have also broadened our services to include early intervention supports alongside crisis support.”
The new riverside premises represent a significant milestone.
“Having our forever home allows our volunteers a place of our own which makes a massive difference in the work that we do.
“We are so grateful to all the artists that got behind this project, in particular Emma Langford, and also Limerick City Council for its support”
The music video’s release on will coincide with a call-to-action for donations, featuring a text-to-donate option to simplify contributions.
Members of the public can text HAVEN to 50300 to donate €4 to The Haven Hub, helping bring the new centre to life in time for its February opening. Donations can also be made online via iDonate.
In addition to the drop-in centre, The Haven Hub offers a range of community services designed to promote mental health and well-being. These include walking groups, trauma support groups, wellness courses, and evening activities that foster face-to-face connections in a safe and supportive environment.
HavenHub.ie for information.
