Violinist Robert to perform in Phoenix Park

A BANNOW-based musician will perform in front of an expected half a million people for the Papal Mass in Phoenix Park on August 26.

Robert Mahon, who plays violin and organ, will be part of the 50-strong orchestra that will provide the musical backdrop for the event. Robert, who is invovled with the choir in Bannow, along with his wife Angela who is its conductor, was asked about six weeks ago to take part in the event.

Robert, who owns and runs Kiltra School of Music, said: ‘I was a member of the RTE National Symphony Orchestra while living in Dublin but for the last few years I’ve been a freelance musician and have played with lots of different orchestras around the country. The organiser of the orchestra for the Papal Mass is someone I’ve worked with quite a bit before and she asked me if I would take part, playing violin.’

Robert said it was a surprise but he was delighted to be involved in such a historic occasion. Originally from Dublin, he has been living in Bannow for many years with his wife Angela, who is a native of the area.

His involvement in the event was joyously announced by parish priest, Fr James Kehoe at Sunday evening’s annual Patron Mass, a piece of local news that resulted in a round of applause for the musician.

Fr Kehoe said: ‘It’s wonderful that Robert will represent Wexford and the parish of Bannow and I’m delighted that he’s been chosen for it. He is steeped in the music scene in Bannow.’

Robert said that Fr Kehoe had told the choir, before the patron, that he was announcing some good news that evening and the singers thought it was that Robert was leaving!

Robert said: ‘ I think the choir got a bit wound up so he had to tell them what the good news was!’

With half a million people expected to attend the event, it is the biggest