Beautiful performance at morning Mass

Pictured at Mass in the Sacred Heart Church in Templemore on Christmas Day were members of the local Parish Choir, who performed beautifully at the morning Mass under organist Jim Maley.

The choir has served the parishioners in Templemore since the mid 1960s when they were led by Seamus McDonnell. He was succeeded in 1977 by Sr Emmanuel. A new organ was installed in 1981, which consisted of over 800 pipes. It replaced an organ that was built in 1849 and was transferred to the Sacred Heart church when it opened in 1883. The following piece appeared in the Tipperary Star on May 9, 1981:

“The inaugural recital on the new organ in the Sacred Heart Church will be given by Mr Gerard Gillen, University College Dublin. It will follow Mass on Wednesday, May 13 at 7.30pm. The Garda band will play before Mass, commencing at 7pm. During the Mass Mr Gillen will accompany the church choir, which will be conducted by Sr Emmanuel of the local convent.”