Tipperary church to host concert to raise funds for re-roofing project

Thurles parish is gearing up for another musical night to remember when the renowned Ormond Octaves choir comes to the Cathedral of the Assumption to perform a selection of their most popular pieces.

Under the direction of well known chorus mistress Niamh Ryan, the choir, which has over eighty members, will sing their hearts out in a bid to raise funds for the ailing roof of the Cathedral of the Assumption, fundraising for which has been ongoing for some time.

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The Ormond Octaves have thrilled audiences and packed venues throughout Tipperary over the last number of years with their unique take on many popular songs.

The choir was founded back in 2008 by Niamh Ryan and their efforts have lifted the hearts of thousands since.

The joy of being in a choir and of learning four part harmony for many of the numbers can be clearly seen on the faces of the choir members as they perform, and that joy is spread to the captivated audiences who have been thoroughly lavish in their praise for the efforts of the choir members.

“You are all in for a treat in Thurles judging by what we have seen and heard in Nenagh on many occasions,” one fan said.

The four-part choir of sopranos, tenors, altos and bass singers has been diligently rehearsing for what is expected to be a wonderfully entertaining night.

Over the years the Ormond Octaves have donated the proceeds of all their concerts to worthwhile local charities and other worthy causes that benefit communities throughout North Tipperary.

Since the Octaves establishment, tens of thousands of euro have been generated. The joy for audiences is that they get to enjoy the delights of the choir’s singing while also knowing that the cost of their tickets is going to worthwhile local causes.

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Adding spice to the upcoming concert will be exquisite song and musical performances by special guests, Music Generation Tipperary.

Included in the programme will be songs from some of the top soloists in Tipperary.

These top singers will also combine with the choir and Music Generation to add great pizzazz to the evening.

So, why not come along and hop aboard the song train and delight in some of the top hits of the last decade and great numbers from past generations.

Sit back and enjoy the unique and distinctive blended voices of the four-part choir performing their interpretation of the greatest hits from the world’s top artistes.

Soak up the sounds of Abba, U2, Simon & Garfunkel, Adele, Billy Joel, Coldplay, Don McLean, Snow Patrol, Elbow, Lady Gaga and Toto.

The programme includes much more, such as hits from some of the top musical shows and films, as well as spiritual numbers to lift both the heart and soul.

There have been a number of very memorable events held in Thurles to raise funds for the Cathedral roof including the visit of Phil Coulter, the Celtic Brothers, The Priests, Fr Ray Kelly, James Kilbane, Patrick Feeney, Michael English, and of course the Cathedral Choir’s annual concert in association with the Clonmel Concert Band which has been very successful.

There have been many other events held also by various clubs, organisations and groups and all of the funds raised have been put towards the job of reroofing the Cathedral - a project which will cost in excess of €2 million.

The hope is to commence the much-needed work on the roof as soon as possible.

Once work commences it will take some time for the project to be carried out, but Thurles Cathedral of the Assumption will be fully restored upon completion to its magnificent glory and will be a worthy place of worship for all in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, and further afield, for many generations to come.

The Ormond Octaves event takes place in the Cathedral of the Assumption on Friday, May 2.

Doors open at 7pm with the concert beginning at 8pm.

All proceeds from the evening are going towards the Cathedral re-roofing Project.

Tickets (€25 Donation) are now available from Thurles Parish Centre, on 0504 22229, Bookworm, Liberty Square, on 0504 22257, Holycross Parish Centre, on 0504 43124, and Nenagh Parish Centre, on 067 31272.