The Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Councillor Myles Staunton, has paid tribute to the contribution of Gabriel Kelly to music and the community over a period of more than 50 years, at a civic reception in Westport.
“Gabriel Kelly has contributed significantly to the Westport community since 1959 when he was originally appointed as the bell ringer and assistant organist and sacristan, and latterly since being appointed as the principal organist in St Mary’s in 1976. He has always acted very professionally and demanded and indeed received very high standards from the choir members which I have no doubt all members over the years will attest to. In many ways he has been present for the ultimate highs and the ultimate lows of important family occasions for the people of Westport over so many years and I am delighted, with the other members of the council, to recognise his contribution to music and to the community. He has seen a lot of priests come and go but he has been ever present,” said Councillor Staunton.
At the civic reception, Cllr Staunton quoted the American author Connie Willis which, he joked, may give an insight into the workings of a choir and the environment which Mr Kelly had worked in for over 50 years.
The civic reception was addressed by the Cathaoirleach Cllr Staunton, Fr Francis Mitchell, and the Rev Val Rogers.
The choir was in attendance at the reception and performed in Mr Kelly’s honour at the conclusion of the reception.
