Local Credit Union and schoolchildren bring Roscrea hymn to life

Pictured at the launch of the exciting “O Holy Cronan Project” at St Cronan’s Church, Roscrea are Fr John Molloy (Parish Priest Roscrea) Pamela Landy, Fr Anton Pasalic, Semus Doran (Soul Care Prayer Group), Brian King (CEO, Premier Credit Union), Finbarr King, Tadhg Maher and Fr Tom Corbett. Photo: PJ Wright

To mark the Church’s Jubilee Year 2025, Roscrea songwriter Séamus Doran has composed a brand-new hymn, “O Holy Cronan”, honouring the patron saint of Roscrea.

What began as a simple idea to celebrate the town’s spiritual heritage has grown into a vibrant community project — uniting schools, musicians, the credit union, and parishioners under one shared purpose: to celebrate faith, history, and community spirit.

The hymn first received its public debut during Holy Mass on the week of April 28th, the Feast of St Cronan, where it was beautifully performed by All-Ireland Champion singer Tadhg Maher, alongside singers and musicians from Coláiste Phobal Roscrea and children from the choirs of Corville, Dromakeenan, Sacred Heart, and Scoil Eoin Primary Schools.

Following its inclusion on Tipp FM’s Down Your Way and a moving performance at Holy Mass in Monaincha, celebrated by Bishop Fintan Monahan in June, local parish priest Fr John Molloy PP was inspired to ensure that the hymn would be recorded for posterity.

Fr John Molloy PP said, “‘O Holy Cronan’ has struck a real chord with the people of Roscrea.

“It’s more than a hymn — it’s a celebration of our shared faith and history. I’m deeply grateful to Seamus Doran for all his efforts, to the parish for their support, and Brian King and Premier Credit Union for recognising its importance and helping to make this recording possible for future generations.”

The project, now well underway, is being recorded at Middlewalk Studios, Cloughjordan, with renowned producer Peter Maher, and accompanied by a video currently being produced by Thomas Moyles of Avalanche MultiMedia Studios, Nenagh.

With Premier Credit Union as the main sponsor and additional support from the local parish and the Soul-Care Prayer Group, the recording has become a true community effort.

Séamus Doran commented, “It’s wonderful to see how this hymn has brought people together — schools, families, and local organisations all working in harmony. I’m especially grateful to Fr John Molloy for all his support and to Brian King and everyone at Premier Credit Union for recognising the significance of this project from the very beginning and for their generous support in helping to bring it to life.

“Their belief in community initiatives like this shows what a difference a local credit union can make,” he said.

As part of the recording, 15 children from each of Roscrea’s four primary school choirs will join Tadhg Maher on vocals — a symbolic reminder that this project belongs to the whole community.

Brian King, CEO of Premier Credit Union, added, “At Premier Credit Union, we’re proud to once again play our part in supporting local initiatives that celebrate community, culture, and collaboration.

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Projects like ‘O Holy Cronan’ truly reflect what our Credit Union stands for — people helping people. As we continue to expand our range of products and services, our commitment to the communities we serve remains at the heart of everything we do.”

The O Holy Cronan recording and video are expected to be completed by mid-November, ensuring that this unique musical tribute to Roscrea’s patron saint will echo proudly throughout the Jubilee Year and beyond.

Keep tuned for further updates on this heartwarming community celebration proudly supported by Premier Credit Union.