The Alley came alive on Friday night, as a night of culture in aid of health charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) kicked off. 

People began flocking to the Alley at around 7pm to get a first look at Polish artist, at Batosz Kolata's  new exhibition entitled 'La Peinture Moderne'. 

Opened by Polish consul, Jerome Mullan, who attended the event with his wife, the exhibition features the work of Torun born artist, who now lives in Dublin and is making massive waves on the Irish art scene, with exhibitions in Ireland, the UK and Europe, including Budapest and Leipzig.  This however, is his debut exhibition in Northern Ireland.

Explaining his motivation ahead of the opening on Friday evening, Mr Kllata said: "My paintings reflect the places and people I meet, and are captured in everyday situations - relaxing, chatting and socialising.  People I pass in the street become characters in my paintings as well.  They stop becoming anonymous; there is a story behind each face I see." 

The exhibition opening was followed by a concert, courtesy of one of the North West's leading band, CRAIC, who led the session, which also featured a performance from young dancers from the Barrett School of Dance, Strabane Gaelscoil and other special guests. 

With over £2,000 raised at the event, all the money will go towards health promotion charity CRY, which works towards raising awareness of cardiac risk in the young. 

Speaking to the Strabane Weekly News last week, Brendan Gallagher, singer and guitar player with CRAIC, emphasised the personal importance of the fundraising concert for the band, following the sudden death of one of their much loved students, local girl Lauren, Gallagher, some years ago. 

He explained: "One of the girls playing the tin whistle with us for some years, Lauren Gallagher, she died of a heart attack.  This condition is very prevalent from what we have heard since. 

"She was with us for a few years and she was getting very accomplished on the tin whistle.  She was a real wee character about the place, full of life. 

"I think it does make the event more personal for us.  Everyone of the musicians taking part is doing it voluntary.  It was a trying time for everyone, never mind the family.  I know (Lauren's) family were affected by it.  It's a kind of a pleasure to do it for that reason.  It's one of that has got close to our heart. 

"We're happy to be taking part in this, for the charity that it is", he added.  "It has been endorsed by the Tyrone team, which is very good." 

Hailing the night as a great success, the Alley's marketing officer, Nathan Flatman, said: "The Alley is delighted with how the event went.  Just over £2,000 was raised for charity.  We would like to thank the sponsors, the Strabane Weekly News and SuperValu of Strabane, for their kind assistance in getting the event running and congratulate CRAIC on putting on a tremendous show." 

He added: "All the monies raised will go to the NI Project under the CRY (charity) umbrella." 

Giving an insight into the atmosphere on the night, Patricia Corry and Lorna Cairns from the Strabane Weekly News explained: "There was a great turnout and a great atmosphere.  The music was brilliant and the compere, Tommy Maguire, set the mood and got the CRAIC started." 

"There3 was a variety of traditional Irish entertainment, some of the finest local musicians and dancers, and an enjoyable performance from the kids from the Galescoil. 

"A great night and a great cause," they added.