A cosy Christmas concert
The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Templemore on Sunday evening last as a large and appreciative audience gathered in the Sacred Heart Church for the Templemore Folk Group’s Christmas Charity Concert.
The yellow rain warning didn’t dampen the spirits in any way as the crowd flocked in to the cosy church from early evening.
This was the fourth fundraising event organised by the folk group, who were buoyed on from the success of previous events. The chosen charities this year were Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and Templemore Church Restoration Fund. The huge turnout on the night made it clear how close these charities are to the hearts of the people of Templemore and surrounding areas.
Preparations were underway from early on Sunday morning. The church was beautifully adorned with seasonal flowers and foliage and the Christmas trees also added to the magical atmosphere in the church. Many hands were on deck to enhance the experience of the supporters of the event. Sound, lighting and big screens were set up to enhance the spectacle of the concert.
The Parish Folk Group opened the concert with a wide repertoire of Christmas songs and carols and instrumental pieces. The audience were held captive by the stunning arrangements, vocal pieces arranged by Anne Marie Johnston and instrumental pieces arranged by Cillian Roche.
Top class musical accompaniment was provided by a very capable group of young musicians, who were led by Mary Rose Mc Nally on piano. These musicians showcased their talent in a special way with their two instrumental pieces, which were hugely appreciated by the audience. This section of the concert featured many Christmas songs beginning with ‘Somewhere in my Memory’ from Home Alone and ending with a rousing version of the anthem, ‘The Holy City’ sung by Fr Conor Hayes and backed up by the entire folk group.
The folk group left the altar to a standing ovation, just appreciation for the musical delights witnessed by the audience.
OUT THE ROAD
The special guests for the night, Out the Road took up the reins at this stage of the night. This exceptionally talented local group comprises Aoife Kelly, Ben Collins, Ciara O’Brien and Niamh Kennedy.
Out the Road enthralled the audience with their amazing harmonies and group work, as well as some fabulous solo performances. The band members have four stunning, unique voices, which blended together in a beautiful harmonious fashion for the group performances. Some highlights from their section included the solo pieces, ‘White Christmas’ from Aoife, ‘Blue is the Eye’ from Ben, ‘Feed the Birds’ from Ciara and ‘Thoughts Flood back to You’ from Niamh.
Out the Road also paid a lovely tribute to Shane Mc Gowan, not long after his first anniversary, with their gorgeous version of ‘Fairytale of New York’ and what can be said about their rendition of ‘Oh, Holy Night’ - just breathtaking!
Following a quick break for the customary raffle, Out the Road were joined on the altar for the final two songs of the night by the folk group. Moving from the gentle strains of ‘Silent Night’ to the party version of ‘Merry Christmas, Everyone’ just about sums up the variety of the night. The audience stood for the second time of the night to express their awe and appreciation for the talent that they had been treated to over the course of the evening.
Heartiest congratulations to all involved in the running of this wonderful event. The folk group are truly blessed to have such a magnificent community around them, and the members wish to extend thanks to all those who helped on the night. Special thanks to Anne Marie Johnston, the folk group leader, who co-ordinated and managed everything that was needed for the smooth running of the concert. Without Anne Marie’s hard work and dedication, this event would not have happened.
Thanks also to those who came and supported the event and gave so generously to the charities involved. The true meaning of Christmas is alive and well in your kindness, generosity and community spirit.