In what has been described as a major coup for Killarney’s St Brendan’s College, legendary hurling manager, Brian Cody, will the inspirational guest speaker at the annual Liam O’Connor Show in the college chapel on December 1.
And, in another major attraction, acclaimed singer-songwriter Paddy Casey will also join the star line-up on the night.
O’Connor, the internationally renowned multi-instrumentalist, will also be joined by the St Brendan’s College choir and music group and his own family band featuring Saoirse on vocals, concertina and keyboards, Oisín, who plays guitars, keyboards and percussion and Cillian on drums.
The big event is on Thursday, December 1 at 8.00pm and tickets are on sale now.
Cody is regarded as the greatest hurling manager of all time, having steered the senior Kilkenny team for 25 years and, during his extraordinary reign, the county won 43 major honours, including 11 senior All-Ireland titles.
Paddy Casey is one of Ireland’s most gifted songwriters and performers whose first album, Amen, released in 1999, was voted best debut compilation by Hot Press and his 2003 multi-platinum album, Livin’, was one of the all-time great releases, featuring smash hit singles Saints and Sinners and The Lucky One.
In 2004, Casey won his first of two consecutive Meteor Irish Music Awards for Best Irish Male and he supported U2 on their Vertigo tour in 2005.
Liam O’Connor said he is really looking forward to the night which will be a great occasion for the school and all involved.
“This is my ninth year as part of the show which has now become one of the annual highlights in my schedule of gigs,” said Liam.
“To have such an inspirational figure as Brian Cody along to share his wisdom about sport and life is truly an honour for us all. It’ll be a great way to end what has been a busy and exciting year for me,” he added.
St Brendan’s College has a fine reputation on the music front, not least because of the skills of two remarkably dedicated music teachers, Niamh O’Connell and Mish O’Donoghue, as well as principal Seán Coffey whose leadership helps create an amazing synergy.
“The students are amazing St Brendan’s. I love working with them. The chapel concert is a very happy place with all the great music,” Liam added.
This busy year for the top class performer has included a celebrated appearance at Electric Picnic and an invitation to perform with the Celtic Tenors at this Thursday’s rugby clash between Munster and world champions South Africa at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork.
He and Oisin also made history on November 2 when they played football and music at Croke Park, the first father and son pair to play both at the hallowed home of the GAA.
Tickets for the St Brendan’s College concert, priced at €30, are available from ticketshop.ie.
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