The Priests return for a fundraising concert to Raise the Roof on town's cathedral

Back by popular demand, The Priests are returning to the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles on Friday September 29th as the fundraising activities to Raise the Roof continue at pace.

Following a brilliant performance in the same setting back in 2019, the three friends, who won many admirers for their brilliance in Thurles, pledged that they would return to the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly to relive all the highlights of that show.

Tickets are now available at the Parish Office, Cathedral Street, Thurles, 0504-22229; Bookworm, Liberty Square, Thurles, 0504-22257; the Parish Office, Holycross, 0504-43124, and Cashel Parish Office, 062-62200; ticket donation: €35.

They love travelling around Ireland to perform in landmark settings such as the Cathedral of the Assumption where their charm and charisma is much admired, liked and welcomed. Indeed, they were bowled over by the warmth of the welcome in Thurles.

All proceeds from the performance will go towards the fundraising initiative to replace the cathedral roof, which has been ailing in recent times and needs substantial investment in order to preserve the integrity of the beautiful cathedral. Already a number of events have been hosted in the Cathedral and in St Joseph and St Brigid’s Church, Bóthar na Naomh in a bid to build up a fund for the major works to be undertaken.

Fr Eugene O’Hagan, alongside his singing brother Fr Martin and their friend, Fr David Delargy have become one of the best known classical trios on the planet - especially when it comes to performing sacred music and popular anthems.

They have been singing together since they boarded in the 1970s as students at St MacNissi’s College in Antrim.

Fr Jim Purcell, PP, Thurles, said: “We had a magnificent evening in the Cathedral back in 2019 and we are certainly looking forward to more of the same.

“Our three friends were very popular and they loved performing in Thurles, so it seemed only natural that they would return, especially considering the demand for them to do so.”

Fr Purcell said that they were continuing to work towards building up that fund to commence the work on the roof of the Cathedral and people had been most generous in helping out.

“The Raise the Roof Lotto continues each week and events such as the up-coming concert also helps greatly. Others, too, are organising events locally with the proceeds going towards the fund and we really appreciate the efforts and generosity of everyone involved,” Fr Purcell said.