Ormond Octaves hit perfect note
Singing their hearts out for charity pays, the members of the Ormond Octaves discovered yet again this week as it emerged that the Nenagh based choir and special guests raised close to €10,000 from their Christmas Concert on Friday week for the Children's Grief Centre.
Saint Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh was packed to capacity for the sellout annual festive concert that delighted members of the audience, who now have the added satisfaction of knowing that their support has resulted in a bumper contribution for the charity that is doing such great work with traumatised children here in our own district and right throughout the Mid West.
Addressing the packed church at the end of what was a truly memorable concert, the founder of the Children's Grief Centre, St Helen Culhane, said she was overwhelmed by both the performance of the choir and the generosity of the people of the Nenagh District who turned up in large numbers to support such a worthy cause.
“The funds we received from tonight's performance will make such a huge difference to our work, and I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” said Sr Helen, adding: “What a beautiful choir, my goodness, with such wonderful talent.”
Speaking directly to members of the audience, Sister Helen said: “I want to thank each one of you for coming here tonight; your support is so much appreciated.”
Founder and Musical Director of the Ormond Octaves, Niamh Ryan, said it was great for the choir to be back performing for the people of the district after being silenced for the past two Christmases by the pandemic.
Niamh, who had been preparing the choir for the performance for the almost four months, paid tribute to the 60 talented singers from Nenagh and surrounding parishes for their dedication in putting in so much time in to ensuring the concert was memorable and for going out and selling tickets for the show.
“Both the choir and I are delighted to stage this concert. It's so satisfying to be able to do something you love and raise so much funds for the Children's Grief Centre,” said Niamh, who thanked everyone who played a part and helped make the concert such a success.
The grief centre provides a professional and safe place where children who have experienced loss through death, separation or divorce can share their experiences of the traumas life has dealt them. A sum of €9,425 was donated by the choir to Sr Helen following the sellout concert. Since founded by Niamh in 2008, the Ormond Octaves - thanks to the generosity of its local audiences - has donated tens of thousands of euro to local charities and other worthy causes.