Jack O’Rourke in full voice at Mountain Lodge
By all accounts, it was a night to remember at Glengarra Lodge on Saturday last, with the debut concert by Jack O’Rourke lifting the rafters. The artist himself took to social media to thank his audience for their beautiful singalong to ‘Slievenamon’, rounding off a gig that was “a powerful ceremony of song”.
Wrapped in rugs and blankets, the audience settled in for a night with the famed singer and his Baby Grand piano. While plans had been rescheduled due to Covid regulations and other factors, Glengarra Mountain Lodge summed up the evening thus:
“Walking in the footsteps of the aristocracy of the nineteenth century, the audience, with jackets and rugs and fortified with a glass of wine and canapés, settled in for a historical and magical night in the awe-inspiring setting of Mountain Lodge.”
The singer himself received a cake showcasing his new album, and was pictured enjoying the peaceful and cosy surrounds of the 19th century lodge in front of a roaring fire.
SPECIAL PLACE
Thanks were expressed many parties, not least project manager Aisling Fitzgerald and her “tenacious guidance” in ensuring the concert was a success. The concert was the first to be held in the scenic setting, and attendees are eager to see many more.
“The concert formed the first part of the Forest Sound Cycles, and it’s intended that we’ll have one concert a season. It was a huge success - we had a bus to ferry people from the main carpark up to the lodge, and one person said to me that they really felt like they were going somewhere special just because of the bus - it was a real festival air!”
The committee are eager to see the Mountain Lodge recognised as a legitimate venue for future gigs.
“We were very lucky he agreed to do the concert for us, as he’s just released a new album, and he’s a nationally celebrated artist. Not only was he there to launch the Mountain Lodge as a legitimate venue in South Tipperary, but we were delighted to have a musician of such calibre to do it too.”
“It’s such a special place. People felt that they were in a venue that had been used in the past by the aristocracy - for dances, for hunting, for their soirées. We are hoping that it will be used in its present state for more activities, as well as the marquee for future concerts.”
The committee have a host of sponsors and supporters to thank, but Breeda particaularly mentions the county council.
“We are very, very grateful to the Arts Office in Tipperary County Council, for their backing and their patience! It was rescheduled a number of times, so our autumn concert ended up taking place on December 4th, but we got there in the end!”
SUNDAY CAROL SERVICE
Burncourt will be holding a carol service in the village this coming Saturday at 4pm, where visitors will also get the chance to view the new ‘Galtee Boy’ wood carving in the village, crafted by Will Fogarty of Fear na Coillte Chainsaw Carvings.