Augustinian choir off to the Euros!
DROGHEDA’S Augustinian junior choir has pulled off a major coup with an invitation to sing at the spectacular opening ceremony of the European soccer championships in Dusseldorf next June.
The local group will be one of eight choirs from competing nations to be featured in the opening ceremony before the Germany-Italy match in the Rhein Stadium.
The 40 boys and girls, aged from 11 to 15 will be seen live on television by millions throughout Europe. Choir mistress Ann Grennan of Tullyallen will direct the choir in the singing of a folk song in Irish and will then join with eight other choirs to sing a well-known German folk song.
The choir will fly to Dusseldorf on June 5 and will stay at the Duisburg Sports School. They will have time before the opening ceremony for rehearsal and sightseeing.
The Football Association of Ireland considered a number of choirs for participation in the event but the Drogheda choir was chosen after FAI treasurer Charles Walsh from Drogheda submitted a sample tape to the organisers.
Mr. Walsh said that the FAI was very impressed by the Augustinian choir. “They are the best choir oi their age group in the country.”
Four helpers, Mary Murray, Joe Grennan, Tom Mathews and Ann Grennan will travel with the choir.
Ann Grennan thanked Maureen McHugh, Mrs Gisela Hoey, Leontia Browne and Maura O’Dwyer for their help along with Prior, Fr Kevin Moylan.