Father Ray raises the roof in recent performance at Thurles Cathedral

While the opening lines of the Leonard Cohen hit Hallelujah read, "Now I've heard there was a secret chord that David played, and it pleased the Lord", it was chords of a different resonance that enthralled, captivated and certainly pleased the audience in the Cathedral town of Thurles and in particular the Church of St. Joseph & St. Brigid, Bóthar na Naomh, last Friday night.

Those chords were the vocal variety of none other than Fr. Ray Kelly, of Britain's Got Talent fame who performed to a sell-out crowd in Bóthar na Naomh Church in aid of Thurles Cathedral 'Raise the Roof' fundraising event.

Fr. Ray, from Oldcastle, Co. Meath became a YouTube sensation when he went viral having performed 'Hallelujah' - the Leonard Cohen number which he adapted for a wedding ceremony.

With that adaptation having become one of the internet's must see performances, Fr. Ray went on to take part in Britain's Got Talent in 2018, where he so impressed the judges that they were happy to elevate him to the semi-final stage of the competition. And Fr. Ray certainly impressed his audience last Friday night as he sang hit after hit and recalled his journey on Britain's Got Talent.

His special guests on the night were the wonderful Thurles Parish Youth Choir, under the direction of Deirdre Lanigan and Ciara Lanigan and accompanist John Gorman, as they joined Fr. Ray is singing Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, as well as performing some uplifting pieces separately.

There was a special moment towards the end of the show, when two of the choir members presented Sr. Mary Barry with a cheque for €500 for Conquer Cancer, proceeds of a collection taken up at the recent family mass on behalf of the children preparing for First Holy Communion.

This donation coincided with National Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Sincere thanks to all the children for their generosity.

Nights like last Friday night could not happen without the vast and coordinated assistance of many including Thurles Parish Events Committee.

The Thurles Parish Pastoral Team extend huge thanks and appreciation to all who all helped out so selflessly to make this event such a wonderful success.

Míle Buíochas to all who attended the concert from near and far, supporting this fund raising event for the Cathedral Reroofing project and making it such a memorable night.