Cathedral’s feast of music had the spirit of Christmas
EACH YEAR at this exact time I get the distinct urge to be Christmassed. You know what I mean: that unique festive feeling that leaves you glowing with the warmth of that true spirit of Christmas.
Money can’t buy it and Carlsberg don’t do it but I have to say the annual Christmas carol service at St Aidan’s Cathedral never fails me and this year was no exception.
Beautifully celebrated by Fr Odhran Furlong and Rev Nicola Halford of St Mary’s, with Enniscorthy Choral Society and St Aidan’s Cathedral Choir going the traditional route with old favourites reminiscent of all our Christmas past – the First Noel, Adeste Fideles and of course the Enniscorthy Christmas treasure – the Enniscorthy Christmas Carol, bringing the entire congregation back down memory lane and many, many happy Christmases at St Aidan’s.
The evocative poem by Máire Mhac an tSaoi Oiche Nollag or Christmas Eve was eloquently recited by Maria Clifford and Mick Dee and Máire O’Tierney gave a most thoughtful Reflection on what Christmas is or should be all about.
A new group called Cairde, only formed in September, added an ancient, primeval element to the concert with beautifully rhythmic renditions of 15th/16th century carols like the Boar’s Head Carol, Gaudete and the Coventry Carol. It was their first public performance but it certainly won’t be their last if the response from the cathedral audience is anything to go by.
But the piece de resistence was the grand finale with the two choirs coming together to complement the superb vocals of Clare Kavanagh, who raised the roof of St Aidan’s with the fabulously mystic O Holy Night and concluding with the jubilant Joy to the World.
Once again, well done to St Aidan’s and organisers John Burke O’Leary, Colm O’Tierney, Donagh Wylde and Adrian Doyle on a most excellent evening of Christmas Carols and a spiritually uplifting event making me feel totally Christmassed.