FCJ’S FAB FOUR!
THE CONCERT WAS A 200TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE FOUNDING OF THE FCJ ORDER
Leah Sweeney, Clodagh Byrne, Fiona Gilbride and Mairead Mahon taking part in the special FCJ Bunclody concert that took place in the National Opera House in front of a sell-out crowd on Sunday.
THE FCJ in Bunclody held a very special concert in the National Opera House that completely sold out the venue’s main auditorium.
The concert marked the 200th anniversary of the founding of the FCJ (Faithful Companions of Jesus’ Sisters) order in Europe.
Speaking to this newspaper about the event the school’s Vice-Principal, Brendan Daly, said everyone was delighted with the fact it sold out and there was even a waiting list for tickets!
Among the special guests were renowned international performers, Des Willoughby, Anthony Kearns, Claire Kavanagh and Ann-Marie Sheridan, and representatives of the Mount Saint Charles Academy school from Rhode Island, in America, were also in attendance.
The two schools have been twinned through music for over 28 years and the American school’s choral group featured in the concert along with FCJ’s junior, intermediate and senior orchestras and the school’s junior and senior trad groups.
There was also a poignant aspect to the night when Ciara Kinsella and the trad musicians gave a heartfelt tribute to former member of staff, Liam Martin, with their interpretation of ‘ The Parting Glass’.
Mr Martin’s wife, Eileen, was the school secretary for many years and helped establish the twinning links with the Rhode Island school.
‘ The special guests were all past pupils of the school and we really appreciated them being present,’ said Mr Daly,
He also thanked everyone who contributed to the event on the night, making it a great success.