Roscrea schools all set for big concert

TEACHERS in four primary schools in Roscrea taking part in a gala concert in aid of Saint Cronan's Day Services have spoken about the excitement of pupils in the build up to their big performance in St. Cronan's Catholic Church in the town on Friday night, February 17 (8pm).

With tickets currently on sale for the concert in Roscrea, Nenagh, Thurles and Birr, it's set to be a very special night for the children of the four schools as they perform alongside the 60-member Ormond Octaves Choir from Nenagh and Glór Tíre Country Music winner Aisling Rafferty in what promises to be a memorable night of music and song.

Pupils from Scoil Eoin NS, Scoil Mhuire Lismakin, Dromakeenan NS and Gaelscoil Shlí Dála are eagerly looking forward to the night, where they will also perform with Rose Lineen and Linda De Lewis of Saint Cronan's.

All four schools say they feel privileged to be singing to raise funds for Saint Cronan's Association, which provides a fantastic range of disability services across four sites in Roscrea, Nenagh and Birr to 150-plus adults living with a mild-moderate disability.

Love Of Music

A great love of music is evident in Scoil Mhuire, Lismackin, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary later this year.
Principal of the school of 108 pupils, Declan Smith, says its most recent Christmas Concert was a "terrific event", and added that all the children were looking forward to the upcoming concert.

"This is going to be yet another exciting opportunity to showcase their talents," he said. Similar sentiments were expressed by Deirdre Bergin at Scoil Chrónáin Naofa (Dromakeenan NS) where music is an integral part of activities.

"We are lucky to have been involved in the Music Generation programme for the last number of years," says Ms Bergin, who points to several musical events the school has taken part at local and national level.

"We are delighted to have been invited to take part in this concert," said Ms Bergin, who went on to reveal that the children have been receiving tutoring for their performance from Ailbhe Kelly of Music Generation.

Separately, Teresa Kennedy of Gaelscoil Shlí Dala in a statement said the school was delighted to have the opportunity to take part in a concert that is being organised to raise funds for Saint Cronan's, a charity that was providing such important and essential services in the local community.

Meanwhile, Scoil Eoin Naofa teacher Laura Ryan said music is very much to the fore in the co-educational school.
"We were delighted to be asked to take part in the concert with the Ormond Octaves for Saint Cronan’s Services," said Ms Ryan, who went on to reveal the children from 3rd to 6th class have been busy practicing songs.

What a night it promises to be for all these children to be showcasing their talents in front of parents and audience members from all over north Tipperary and further afield who will be supporting this worthy cause.

Tickets

Tickets (€20) for the concert are currently available at the Parish Offices in Roscrea, Birr and Templemore. They are also available in the Cinnamon Alley café in Nenagh, The Bookworm in Thurles.

On this Friday, February 3, we will have tickets stands set up outside Eurospar in Templemore, Mulrooney’s Gala in Roscrea and inside in Roscrea Credit Union and from our ticket pop-up shop in Roscrea Shopping Centre (formally Glitzi Bitz).

We will also be selling tickets outside Horan’s shop, Newbridge Street, Birr. On Monday, February 6, Saint Cronan’s Service are recording ‘Down Your Way' with Eamon O’ Dwyer from TIPP FM . The programme will be recorded in the Auburn Lounge, 1 Kennedy Park, Scart, Roscrea, (E53 F438) at 7.30pm and will be aired on Saturday, February 11.

We would love people to come along and join in the music and chat.