Templemore Folk Group stage memorable Christmas concert with special guest Sean Keane

On December 8 last a sold out Sacred Heart Church saw the Templemore, Clonmore and Killea Folk Group hold another hugely successful night of music and song with a guest appearance from the famous singer, Sean Keane.

The scene was set for a fabulous night as the church in Templemore shone brightly amongst the dark streets of the town as the effects of Storm Darragh were still in effect.

Following a warm welcome by Parish Priest, Fr Conor Hayes, and Music Director, Anne Marie Johnston, the night got under way.

The parish Folk Group entertained the packed church with songs such as Sound of Silence, made famous by Simon and Garfunkel followed, by the Christmas classic, Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth by Bing Crosby and David Bowe.

The men in the group took to the front to perform Christmas 1915,, such a poignant song at this time of year, and there was a tear or two shed as Donal Bowe, Ben Collins, James Byrne and Sean Fogarty relayed a hair-raising rendition of the song.

We were then treated to an instrumental piece by the group's musicians who accompanied all of the Folk Group performances.

The sound of the Uillean Pipes resonated through the church from the talented Cillian Roche who was supported on the fiddle by Caroline McCormack, Jennifer Cormack, Marie Sheedy and Caroline Johnston, on the concertina by Katie Johnston and Sinead Towey, clarinet by Paul Cormack, guitar by James Grey, bodhran and snare drum by Marese O' Connell and piano by Gillian Fogarty. These talented musicians then performed a beautiful arrangement of The Ashokan Farewell.

CHRISTMAS SONGS

Christmas songs were the theme for the remainder of the section, with carols such as Nowell, Nowell, Bethlehem Sky, The Greatest Gift and Favourite Time of Year to end.

Soloist Ben Collins wowed the audience with his performance of The Greatest Gift made famous by Andrea Bocelli. The folk group had the privilege of singing Nature’s Little Symphony alongside Sean Keane, one of the highlights of the night.

Sean Keane, along with musicians Fergus Feely and Shane McGowan, entertained on guitar for the remainder, with songs such as Home, Shenandoah, I’m No Stranger to the Rain, Isle of Hope and Never Alone.

The packed church sang along and had a wonderful night, with funds raised for MS Ireland and Templemore Community Services Centre.