After Chicago and the Pope, choral society returns for Christmas concert
DUHALLOW Choral Society will perform their annual Christmas concert at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kanturk on Sunday, December 17
Timed to start at 7pm, the choir will be once again conducted by Sharon Reidy and will sing a selection of seasonal favourites with soloist Miriam Murphy accompanied by Ian Sexton.
Tickets are €10 for adults and can be secured from any choir member or at the door on the night.
Before that they sing in Tralee on December 9 as part of their annual series of pre- Christmas concerts.
This 80-strong mixed choir has travelled nationally, internationally and have represented the region with great distinction over the years. Over their 23 years the choir have performed almost all their concerts for charity and local community indicatives, only requesting fees to pay the professional accompanist and musical director.
The estimated money raised for communities in Duhallow and beyond is now over a staggering €400,000.
This year has seen some memorable highlights for the group, including a trip to the USA, where the choir had an amazing time celebrating St Patricks week with the people of Chicago.
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, singing at Gaelic Park, and being specially invited to the City Hall to perform for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who tweeted his gratitude.
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.
Choir manager Brigid Daly collaborated with IRD Duhallow and Kanturk Printers to create beautiful booklets which promoted Duhallow and Co Cork at the highest Level. The choir were even featured on CNN News and on the Chicago Tribune.
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. The group showcased all that is wonderful about rural Ireland, and wore green hats and scarves organised by Jo O’leary and Francis Kenneally, Central Stores.
Later in the year the group were delighted to be invited to be part of the Stadium Choir at the concert to celebrate the World Meeting of Families on Saturday 25th August at Croke Park.
The group of 52, which included family and friends, travelled en masse to Dublin. Under musical Director Sharon Reidy, all of the group had a most memorable experience and were honoured to be part of this historic event performing in the presence of His holiness Pope Francis.
After a short break they were back training in September as the choir have a programme of training, concerts and events planned up to the end of 2019.
This Christmas the choir go on tour performing a number of concerts during December, again performing to support local communities in Duhallow and beyond.