The Army Band of 2nd Brigade, based in Athlone, will once again provide the main musical support for the 31st Annual Gala Samaritan Christmas Concert to take place within the surrounds of the Franciscan Friary on Wednesday, December 6, at 8pm.
The band has been the constant musical support for the annual Samaritan Concert since its inception in 1991. The Samaritans are very grateful to Fr Gabriel and the Franciscan community for facilitating the concert once again this year and to all those who faithfully support the occasion.
The Band will be accompanied by Mezzo Soprano Gemma Ni Bhriain, Athlone A Cappella and the ever popular Athlone Pipe Band. The Athlone pipe band has been in existence in the town for numerous years, the pipe Major being Sgt David Kelly from Custume Barracks.
Athlone A Cappella are a ladies barbershop chorus who sing with no musical accompaniment. Formed in 2013 with only four members, they now have 44 members and are under the direction of Hilary Roche since they regrouped post Covid in 2022. They have been crowned National Female Barbershop Champions on four occasions. Most recently, they came second in the National Irish Barbershop Competition and were the highest placed female chorus.
The compere for this year’s concert will be Joe McCarrick.
All available tickets for the annual concert have now been sold with no tickets now available at the door. However, due to the great demand for tickets it is hoped to livestream the concert, thanks to the grateful assistance of the Midlands Polish Community CLG. The livestream will be broadcast on the Midlands Polish Community MPC-TV YouTube channel and will also be broadcast on Athlone Franciscans – mcnmedia.tv
The Samaritans are available 24hrs on freecall 116 123 for anyone who is lonely, troubled or simply needs to talk to someone in confidence.
