Cathedral packed to capacity for community celebration

A member of St Oliver’s Primary School Choir

Director of Carols by Candlelight Paula Gleeson addressing the audience in St Mary’s Cathedral after all the performances

A packed to capacity St Mary’s Cathedral

Members of the St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Choir

Killarney Community College Choir

Members of the Gaelscoil Faithleann Choir performing at the Carols by Candlelight concert in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney at the weekend

Lissivigeen Primary School were directed by teacher Sarah Cahill

Pupils from Holy Cross Mercy Primary School

Eimear Warren (left) and Eimear Harrington, volunteering in St Mary’s Cathedral Killarney which was filled with music and glowing candles

Solo star: Five-year-old Allie Casey performing with the Killarney Harmonisers

It was standing room only – and even that was at a premium – as several choirs from the community showcased their talents at a stunning Carols by Candlelight gathering in St Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday night.

Music teacher Rosie Healy conducts the choir from St Brigid’s Secondary School at the Carols by Candlelight evening in St Mary’s Cathedral.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan

One of the biggest crowds ever witnessed in the magnificent church enjoyed close on three hours of high quality entertainment in an event Killarney Parish Administrator, Fr Kieran O’Brien, said could be summed up in one sentence – Killarney’s got talent.

“To witness St Mary’s Cathedral filled with the community of Killarney, joining together from all walks of life, to sing carols and play music was such a privilege,” he said.

Seats were difficult to come by long before the 7.00pm start time with close on 400 performers in total lined up to sing carols, hymns and seasonal numbers from the altar.

Rhonda Healy conducting pupils from Holy Cross Mercy Primary School

Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, joined hundreds of people in the audience which was made up of proud parents, siblings, grandparents, neighbours and friends.

It was a real community event and the local business community was represented by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Joint Presidents Johnny McGuire and Pádraig Treacy.

A total of 10 choirs from Killarney parish joined together to sing some of the world’s most beloved Christmas carols and the service was directed by accomplished violinist and choral director, Paula Gleeson, whose husband, Michael, was the master of ceremonies.

Therese Buckley (left) and Karena McCarthy of Killarney Credit Union (right) who sponsored the community concert in St Mary’s Cathedral with master of ceremonies Micheal Gleeson, Killarney Parish Administrator Fr Kieran O’Brien, and Paula Gleeson, concert director

Originally from Cork, Paula’s family have been involved in all aspects of choral and church music for 50 years.

School choirs that participated were St Oliver’s, Presentation Monastery, Gaelscoil Faithleann, Lissivigeen, Holy Cross Mercy, St Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney Community College and St Brendan’s College and also participating were the St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Choir and the Killarney Harmonisers as well as musicians Brian Murphy and Jack McCrohan with a special closing ceremony piece by Allie Casey before the entire congregation joined together for a rousing rendition of O Come All Ye Faithful.

The big event in the cathedral was sponsored by Killarney Credit Union, Sheahan’s, JM Reidy’s, Cllr John O’Donoghue, The Laurels, The Victoria Hotel, Adams Jewellers and Quill’s.

Happy Christmas from KillaneyToday.com Call 087-2229761 or email news@killarneytoday.com