Local Tipperary folk singing group makes RTÉ television debut

Members of Templemore, Clonmore, Killea Folk Group gathered at 5:45am to board the bus to Dublin to perform live for Sunday mass at Studio 5 in RTÉ.

A final roll call was taken just before 6am and once everyone was onboard, along with the all important folders, the bus set off for Montrose.

The group thanks Aidan Johnston for his careful navigation through the early morning city traffic to bring the group safely to RTÉ.

On arrival, there were staff members to greet the group and show them to the green room.

As there was little time to spare before rehearsal, sandwiches and other refreshments were provided by Siobhan O'Connell and Siobhan Stapleton.

Soon it was time to head for a full rehearsal.

Everyone knew their positions from the practice schedule in the previous weeks and there was a sense of calm in the studio.

It was intriguing to see how it all worked, as the rehearsal was stopped and restarted numerous times to allow messages to come from upstairs into the floor manager’s earpiece.

Once the staff were happy with everything and all microphones were set up, it was back to the green room to chill out for a while before the off.

Back again to the studio, where the group all lined up in waiting for the theme music to run.

Fr Hayes made his way up the aisle to the tones of the entrance hymn and proceedings were underway.

Folk group members together with Fr Hayes performed all the duties during the mass, from music and singing including the two soloists, Ben and Niamh, to readings, prayers, reflection and offertory procession.

The group thanks Fr Hayes for his work and for leading the group during the mass.

The musicians worked hard in the weeks leading up to the mass to have all the pieces note perfect.

The musicians on the day were Gillian Fogarty, Katie Johnston, Caroline Johnston, Caroline Cormack, Jennifer Cormack and Paul Cormack, with Sinead Towey ill and unavailable to line out.

Another noted absence on the day was the oldest member of the folk group, Nancy Treacy, who is currently unwell.

Nancy has been a dedicated member of the folk group for many years and the group remembered her in their prayers at the mass and have continued to pray for her since.

When the final notes of the recessional hymn were sounded it was time for some photographs and back to the green room to watch the performance.

Everyone was glued to the TV screens with some arguments ensuing as to why certain people got more air time than others.

When Aidan managed to gather everyone back on the bus it was off to Joels for Sunday lunch.

The bus journey back to Templemore was a lively affair, quite different to the sleepy heads of the morning journey.

A sing song helped pass the time and all were back safely to the town square in no time.

Congratulations to all involved in this special occasion in what was a fabulous representation of the parish of Templemore, Clonmore and Killea.

A special mention must go to the musical director Anne Marie Johnston.

This polished performance would not have happened without all the hard work, commitment and dedication from Anne Marie and all the group every Wednesday night.

No rest for this group either as they now turn their attention to their Christmas concert, where they will share the altar with Sean Keane.

Tickets are now available for this charity event which takes place on Sunday, December 8.