Mallow Festival of Carols heralds festive spirit in town
THE annual Festival of Carols at St. Mary’s Church, Mallow, attracted a capacity audience last Sunday afternoon.
The 90-minute performance had eight choirs which included two church choirs and a school band.
The event commenced with members of the Thomas Davis Pipe Band playing from the organ gallery. Scoil Ghobnatan School Band in their red saches performed under conductor Louise O’Hanlon, and the 60 strong St. Patrick’s Boys National School entertained with When A Child Is Born and God Rest Ye Merry Geltlemen.
St. Mary’s Church Choir, under the baton of Mary Healy, sang Still Still Still and Mary’s Boy while the green-jumpered pupils from Rahan National School, with conductor Tina Connolly, sang Winds Through The Olive Trees and Carol Of The Bells.
The Church of the Resurrection Choir 16-strong line out with conductor Susanna Russell performed O Little Town of Bethlehem and Behold A Virgin Bearing Him.
At the short interval Fr Corkery read a lesson before Siobhàn Buckley and the Scoil Ghobatan Choir sang The Magic Of Christmas Day and Let There Be Peace.
Donning Santa hats, the 32 pupils from Cór Ghaelscoil Thomás Daibhís, with conductor Eimear Ni Chíonnaith, sang An Chéad Noel and Catch A Falling Star.
In their school uniforms, the 60-strong Convent Primary School performed Gloria and Do You Hear What I Hear under the guidance of conductor Maureen Walsh while Cór Mhagh Ealla ended the excellent Christmas event with Coventry Carol and Jesus Child before O Come All Ye Faithfull was sung by the massed choirs and congregation.
Canon Anthony O’Bren recited prayers and thanked all the schools and organisers for an entertaining afernoon.
The Festival of Carols was hosted by Tadgh Curtis who also thanked music accompanists Madeleine O’Connor, Elizabeth McCarthy, Jackie Ni Dhuinnín, Regina Barton Ui Chadhla, Conchubhair O’Riain, Niamh Ahern, Irene Barrett, Neil Moylan and Kate McSweeney.