Pictures: Templemore songwriter closes Roscrea Heritage Society's 2024 Black Mills Sessions

For the finale of the 2024 series of Black Mills Sessions, Roscrea Heritage Society was delighted to host Ben Collins to see out the last of the events named after the landmark venue in the heritage town.

Ben is a singer/songwriter from Templemore. His love for music and song started at a young age through his involvement in Scór competitions and school musicals. His passion for performing followed on from there and he now gigs in local venues and is a member of Thurles Musical Society.

Pictured are musicians and singers Aoife Kelly, Niamh Kennedy and Ben Collins. Photo: PJ Wright

From the offset, Ben connected with the audience and drew them into what can only be described as a fabulous evening of music and song. Before each song was performed, Ben gave an insight of the song and his connection to it.

Ben Collins performing 'The Parting Glass'. Photo: PJ Wright

He performed great renditions of well-known songs such as 'This is the Life', 'Bee’s Wing', 'Mary’s Pub' and 'Blue is the Eye'. At various stages throughout the night, Ben called upon friends and fellow singer/songwriters Aoife Kelly and Niamh Kennedy to take to the floor.

Pictured above are Eileen Nolan and Carlione Glennon and pictured below are Emma Bourke and Niamh Kennedy. Photos: PJ Wright

Along with performing their own compositions, this extremely talented trio captivated the audience with stunning renditions and beautiful harmonies in songs such as 'Caledonia', 'Orphan Girl' and 'You Will be Found'.

Megan Delaney and Colleen Giles at the finale of the Black Mills Sessions for 2024. Photo: PJ Wright

Before long, the night was coming to a close and you could have heard a pin drop as Ben brought the curtains down with a haunting rendition of 'The Parting Glass'.

Pictured above are Leo Collins, Anne Bourke and Deirdre Collins at the Black Mills Session. Photo: PJ Wright

The Society would like to thank Ben, Aoife and Niamh for their fantastic performance, the night was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Roscrea Heritage Society would also like to thank the OPW for providing the venue and every staff member for their help and unwavering support throughout the year.

Martina Fogarty, Anne Marie Johnson and Aoife Gray are pictured above at Roscrea Heritage Society's Black Mills Session. Photo: PJ Wright

Thanks to PJ Wright for capturing some great shots of all our sessions and last but not least, huge thanks to everyone who attended our sessions, many who have been there supporting us from day one, it would not have been possible to host these events without the support of everyone involved.

Owen Kelly, Sinead Kelly and Breda Fogarty in the Black Mills. Photo: PJ Wright

Roscrea Heritage Society will take a break from hosting events, we will be busy working in the background to organise events for 2025 and look forward to continuing to showcase the fabulous talent and heritage sites on our doorstep!

Orla Torpey and Sharon O'Halloran enjoying the show in the Black Mills. Photo: PJ Wright

If you have an interest in any aspect of heritage and could spare a few hours to help with events throughout the year, the society would love to hear from you. They can be contacted via the following platforms Mail: roscreaheritagesociety@gmail.com, online at www.roscreaheritagesociety.org; FB: www.facebook.com/roscreaheritagesociety