Choral society showcase Kanturk and Cork on magical Chicago tour
DUHALLOW Choral Society had an amazing time celebrating St Patricks week with the people of Chicago.
The choir were overwhelmed by the welcome and organisation from Teresa Daly and Mary Kay Marmo of The Rose of Tralee Centre in Chicago and Ireland Network for co-hosting many of the events during the week’s tour.
The week started with a most generous reception hosted by the Eamonn Vaughan hospitality group at the Emerald Loop, Kevin Vaughan at Corcoran’s Bar and Grill. Eamonn Vaughan was actively involved with James Sheehan, president of the Ireland Network, in supporting the choir’s tour. The group was truly delighted to be hosted so generously by the wonderful Newmarket Vaughan family.
There were highlights every day - a beautiful St Patrick’s Day Mass, marching in the South Side Parade, joining Consul General Brian O’Brian on the parade viewing stand, performing in the garden of a lovely lady who is seriously ill, singing at Gaelic Park, and being specially invited to the City Hall to perform for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who tweeted his gratitude.
The choir were privileged to perform for the Irish Sisters of Mercy at St Xavier University. Their gala concert and reception was held at the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral in downtown Chicago.
The final evening meal on the tour was very generously sponsored in full by Matt Moore, owner of the famous Chicago Cut steak house and managed by PJ O’Connor from Mallow.
The last day touring brought the choir to the Kerry canter in Boloit, Wisconsin, where they were welcomed by CEO Michael O’Neill, North America, and Teresa Daly, business development manager, who gave them a comprehensive tour of this amazing research and innovation centre.
Along with cruising and singing on the beautiful river through the city, the choir had several impromptu conducted performances to delighted audiences at the airports and anywhere they were requested.
The choir were featured on CNN News and on the Chicago Tribune.
Duhallow Choral Society showcased all that is wonderful about rural Ireland, they wore green hats and scarves organised by Jo O’leary and Francis Kenneally, Central Stores.
Choir manager Brigid Daly collaborated with Maura Walsh, CEO of IRD Duhallow, and Louise Bourke of IRD along with Kanturk Printers to create beautiful booklets which promoted Duhallow and Co Cork at the highest Level.
Duhallow Choral Society were delighted to perform for Minister of State Ciaran Cannon, County Cork Mayor Declan Hurley and Cllr John Paul O’Shea, and Michael Magner of Vienna Woods Hotel, among many dignitaries both from Ireland and Chicago.
Gifts were presented in Chicago from Kanturk artist Sheila O’Callaghan, Jeremiah Dennehy of Brogeen Crafts, Kanturk, Irish Dresden from Drumcollogher, and Colie Fitzpatrick wood turning. Also, Tom Arnold, Lismire contributed banners.
Finally, Duhallow Choral Society wish to acknowledge and thank sincerely Cork Co Council, IRD Duhallow and all the many business and personal sponsorship received to make this tour successful. This was a trip filled with happy memories and fun filled, magical moments - ‘a trip of a lifetime’.