Start off 2017 on a high note and Raise your Voices with a musical extravaganza in aid of St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina. Remember the singing priest Fr Ray Kelly who caused an internet sensation with his rendition of "Hallelujah" last year? Well now is your chance to see Fr Kelly perform live alongside St Muredach’s Cathedral Choir and St Mary’s Secondary School Choir – for one night only.
The concert takes place on Friday February 3 at 8pm in the cathedral and with tickets priced at just €15, this is an event not to be missed. Musical director Regina Deacy said she was ‘delighted’ to announce the concert; and the special guests for the evening. "This a great opportunity to hear wonderful talent in one night, from the YouTube sensation Fr Ray Kelly to the award-winning St Mary’s secondary school choir to the choral heights of the cathedral choir with its own talented soloists and instrumentalists. Add in the stunning location of St Muredach’s Cathedral and you get a very special evening of reflective, inspirational, and uplifting music.”
The event is one of several fundraisers organised to raise funds for the Cathedral Restoration Fund. Chairperson of the pastoral committee Peter McLoughlin added: “It is fantastic to think of the huge pool of talent we have in our own community in terms of the choir at the cathedral led by Regina, as well as our own school choir at St Mary’s. Adding the internet favourite, Fr Kelly, to this means that a great night will be guaranteed; and a great opportunity for people outside of the parish and diocese to enjoy a night of beautiful music. We would appeal to people to come along; bring your friends and enjoy the show. Thank you to all for giving up their time for this event.”
Works are ongoing on the restoration of the iconic Ballina Cathedral which overlooks the River Moy. The work is expected to cost in the region of €3 million and will take in a full renovation and restoration of the building. Work began on the cathedral way back in 1827 when the wall structure was built; and the ornate ceiling was constructed some 14 years later; just before the Great Famine. Works to the ceiling; re-pointing the external limestone walls and complete timber replacement will form the basis of the very specialised project. A raffle will also take place on the night with a host of exclusive gifts up for grabs including a beautiful Liam Joes painting, a unique bowl made from the wood of the ceiling of the cathedral by Willie Creighton, and an engraved image of the cathedral on a mirror by Gerry Ginty.
Tickets are available in the Pastoral Centre, Ballina (opposite the Cathedral ), the Gift Centre, Ballina, or St Patrick’s Church, or by phone on (096 ) 70555.
