Athlone A Cappella (AAC ) recently enjoyed a most worthwhile weekend of singing during an enjoyable trip to Westport in County Mayo.
AAC savoured a much-needed weekend in County Mato following a very busy year with a chance to sing in unison on the beautiful Westport Quays, and indeed enjoyed an early morning practice in the grounds of Westport House - much to the delight of people out walking their dogs in the park.
AAC stayed in The Helm Bar and accommodation on the Quays which is hosted by Vinny Keogh and family who really made the group’s visit a very enjoyable experience. AAC was delighted to be asked to perform in The Helm Bar to help raise money for a very worthy cause – the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
The Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation was established in 1992 when it was recognised that there were no specialist palliative care services in the two counties for patients with life limiting illness. The foundation works with HSE West to meet service needs and has helped fund two hospice units – a 14 bed unit in Mayo and an eight bed unit in Roscommon. Many of the members of Athlone A Cappella are proud Roscommon women and the Hospice Foundation holds a special place in their hearts.
AAC was thrilled therefore to be asked to help raise funds towards such a worthy cause. AAC often take part in competitions which are exciting events and help to focus the group – and indeed the group have received many medals – including several gold and silver accolades.
AAC was delighted to achieve a silver medal in the recent IABS competition (Irish Association of Barbershop Singers ) in October 2023. However, the ladies in AAC particularly enjoy a chance to raise money for a charity, to sing at a carol service or to entertain the residents in the Sonas Nursing Home - these are always excellent chances to give back to the local community.
AAC entertained the large crowd in The Helm Bar and sang songs ranging from “Hallelujah”, “The Sound of Silence” and “Blue Suede Shoes”. The crowd was very appreciative and gave generously as the distinctive yellow Hospice buckets were passed around. AAC was delighted to raise €1,500 towards the Hospice and presented the cheque proceeds to Seamus Moran from the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Board of Directors, along with Vinny Keogh of The Helm Bar and his daughter Ciara.
Athlone A Cappella thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and the famed County Mayo hospitality and are hoping to make this an annual event.
AAC is a four part harmony choir which sings in the A Cappella style which is sung without music and depends on the blend of voices for its unique sound. At the moment, AAC is seeking new singers so if you are interested in joining the AAC choir, practice takes place every Wednesday night in Our Lady’s Bower secondary school from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
AAC would be interested in taking on new members with an interest and aptitude for singing so please contact [email protected] or send a message directly on the Athlone A Cappella Facebook page.
