Pipes are calling for St Mary’s organ fundraiser

SOME of the county’s top musicians are expected to come together to help keep the music flowing at St Mary’s Church of Ireland, as they take part in a special gala concert to raise funds for the repair of the church organ. Organised by Enniscorthy Lions Club with the help and support of the Church of Ireland community locally, the show promises some of Wexford’s best known performers, all of whom are giving their services free of charge for the cause.

The concert will take place in the church on Sunday, April 8 from 7.30 p.m. and tickets are now on sale from a number of local outlets including Eric Barron Menswear, Creane & Creane Insurance, Eddie Watchorn’s on the Old Dublin Road, O’Leary Travel, P.E. Kelly Insurance, Barry Sutton Dry Cleaners and the Parish Office at St Aidan’s Cathedral.

The programme of events for the night is being put together by Mezzo Soprano and lead soloist in St Aidan’s Cathedral, Lorna Mahon, and she is using all of her musical contacts to create a wonderful show. To add to the intrigue of the event, she is declining to name exactly who will be performing, but she promises that nobody will be disappointed.

Enniscorthy Lions Club has thrown its full weight behind the initiative and Club President Eric Barron says that this is one of three major events the Lions Club members will engage with this year and that the members are delighted to be associated with such a worthy initiative.

The organ in St. Mary’s Church is of significant value both historically and as a musical instrument. It was built in 1815 by William Gray of London and is one of his few remaining organs in existence today. It was once situated in Dublin Castle and was installed in St Mary’s in the late 1800s by Telford and Telford of Dublin who added two pedal stomps and the stencilled pipes which now face the communion table. After many years of service, it’s now in need of full refurbishment and it is ‘expected to cost a six figure sum’.

Tickets for this wonderful event are now on sale and all support is greatly appreciated.

Back row: Colm McGibney, Ray Shanks, Jimmy Gahan and Eric Barron. Front row: Rev Nicola Halford and Doreen Moran pictured at the launch of Enniscorthy Lions Club ‘A Musical Evening’ in St Mary’s Church, Enniscorthy, in aid of The Church Organ...