Sounds impressive!
GOREY was a hive of activity last weekend for the Festival of Choirs, a three-day event in aid of County Wexford Hospice Homecare.
More than 20 choirs from all over county Wexford, consisting of singers ranging in ages from four to 80, performed across numerous venues in Gorey town and managed to raise a staggering €8,000.
Chairman of Festival Committee Paul Brown said the festival has grown into a significant event in the space of two years.
‘Last year was the very first time we held the festival,’ said Paul. ‘We only had 6 choirs, and now we have more than 20 choirs and over 500 voices. It is amazing.’
Sadly leading up to the event mother-ofthree Caroline Murphy, who was a former member of Enniscorthy Choral Group, passed away on Wednesday, May 9, in Gorey District Hospital.
Four choirs from Gorey and Enniscorthy came together for a special event on Sunday in St Michael’s Church in memory of Ms Murphy. Paul said it was the last show of the festival and it was a very emotional one.
‘It was very moving,’ said Paul. ‘Soloists David O’Connor from Ferns and Lynda Whitmore from Enniscorthy got up to sing. Afterwards, everyone sang a beautiful rendition of “You Raise Me Up”.’
This year, the objective was to encourage people who have never sung before. There was a singing class held in Gorey Library on Saturday.
‘Singing teacher Anita Mahon from Enniscorthy taught the class,’ said Paul. ‘ The beginners were so good that they performed in the real event at 2.30 p.m. with the acapella choirs from Kilmore Quay and Wexford town.’
The main goal of the festival is to fundraise for the Wexford Hospice Homecare by showcasing the musical talent of people from county Wexford and to provide a forum where choirs can come together to sin in a non-competitive way.
Paul said on behalf of the Festival Committee they would like to give a huge thanks to all the volunteers, choirs, sponsors and to Gorey Municipal District. Wexford Hospice Homecare has been in existence for over 25 years and provides home care nursing and support for people with cancer. The €8,000 raised will go directly to the charity.