An evening with Michael English in Portroe

Community concert for church and graveyards

A celebration of community spirit and an occasion to remember past loved ones will be held in Portroe next month as Michael English performs a church concert.

The Kildare country music singer makes an enticing draw to an event aimed at raising funds for St Mary's Church, the 150th anniversary of which was celebrated last year. There are plans to create a sacred space in one of the confession boxes, while funding is also needed for continuous maintenance of the church and parish graveyards.

“It's a very close-knit community here in Portroe, justly proud of their church and graveyards, which are kept beautifully, all three graveyards,” said Fr Lorcan Kenny ahead of the church concert.

“It's a lovely church; it's kept beautifully, so we want to maintain that so it is a place that people can just pop in to and light a candle, and have their own thoughts.”

Fr Lorcan looked forward to the upcoming Michael English concert, mentioning how the popular singer can tailor his performances to suit the church setting. He spoke of how there is a lot of meaning in Michael's songs; ‘Come Sing With Me’, for example, is dedicated to those suffering loss as a result of Covid-19.

“He has some lively songs as well,” Fr Lorcan said, mentioning Michael's widespread popularity among country music fans.

Having spent the previous 27 years in Roscrea, Fr Lorcan spoke of the warm welcome he has received in Burgess, Portroe and Youghalarra since taking up residence as priest of the Odhran Pastoral Area last December. He hoped to see a good turnout from his new parish community at the concert in St Mary's.

“The idea behind it is it's a fundraiser for the church but it's also a community event,” he said. “The summer has been a mixed bag for people, so this is something as we turn into autumn to try to lift the spirits as well. We're hoping it will be a positive night for everybody.”

Fr Lorcan added: “We'll be lighting a candle in memory of people who have gone to God.”

The concert will take place on Friday, August 9, at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets cost €30 and are available from the Spar shop in Portroe or from Gus - 083-8154197 or Dorothy - 087-9870238.