Religion and faith keep them singing in St Feichin’s Choir
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The St Feichin’s Church Choir performing during their 30th anniversary concert on Friday evening.Image 2 of 13
Siobhan Friary from Collinstown and Lorraine Ledwith from Fore.Image 3 of 13
Alannah Styles, Holly McCormack and Skye McCormack at St Feichin's Church.Image 4 of 13
Catherine Daly (Collinstown) and Valerie McDermott (Fore).Image 5 of 13
Cliodhna Friary and Niamh Ledwith Byrne from Fore.Image 6 of 13
Elaine Leahy, Mary Fanning and Maria Elder at Friday's concert.Image 7 of 13
Maria Merriman and Alisha Fitzpatrick from St Feichin’s Church Choir.Image 8 of 13
Jean Fox from Fore and Naomi Fitzpatrick from Collinstown.Image 9 of 13
Sean Daly, Piaras Walsh and Niall McKenna before the show.Image 10 of 13
Mamie and Catriona O’Reilly at the 30th anniversary concert.Image 11 of 13
Frank Hunt with Fr Martin Carley (PP Collinstown and Fore).Image 12 of 13
Siobhan Gaffney, Seamus McDermott and Imelda Boylan on Friday evening.Image 13 of 13
Bibi O’Reilly, Paul Fox and Sean Comiskey in Fore on Friday evening.St Feichin’s Church Choir, Fore received a standing ovation at their 30th anniversary concert on Friday night, and it was extended to Lorraine Ledwith when she was presented with gifts in recognition of her service as musical director and pianist over the three decades.
Seamus McDermott was MC for the evening, and he addressed the audience to say that religion and faith were the reason the members came together in September 1994. “They are what have kept us all together over the last 30 years and are why we are all here this evening to celebrate. We come together to pray through song as we perform two religious pieces – ‘the one who sings, prays twice’.”
They choir remembered members lost in the 30 years, Richard Merriman, Sarah Bardon, Ciss Murtagh, Pat and Pauline McEntee, and Sean Coyle, and also Fr Jack Kiernan, RIP, who provided the support needed to set up the choir.
The singers also remembered deceased family members and all the deceased in the parish; candles were lit in their memory and a number of pieces were dedicated to them.
The singers dedicated an instrumental piece, ‘The Waves of Kilkee’ to Elaine and Caitlin Masterson, who were unable to be present on the night, and they remembered Elaine’s mother, Margaret, who passed away in County Clare recently (RIP).
Keeping traditions alive is important in the choir, and several pieces on the night were a mix of Irish songs and instrumental pieces.
Proceeds from the concert were in aid of Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice and the €1,591 collected on the night will be forwarded to them.
Choir members: Imelda Boylan, Catherine Daly, Maria Elder, Mary Fanning, Alisha Fitzpatrick, Naomi Fitzpatrick, Jean Fox, Siobhan Friary, Siobhan Gaffney, Elaine Leahy, Lorraine Ledwith, Valerie McDermott, Ciara McCabe, Maria Merriman, Cliodhna Friary, Niamh Louise Ledwith Byrne, Holly McCormack, Skye McCormack, Alannah Styles, Sean Daly, Seamus McDermott, Niall McKenna, Piaras Walsh.