Tipperary school choir New York bound for 1916 commemoration concert

A local school choir are set to headline a 1916 commemoration concert in New York this Sunday, November 6.        

Cashel Community School Choir will headline the once off event in St. Barnabas Elementary Auditorium in Yonkers, New York.

The choir, consisting of 44 students, past students and teachers, were invited to participate in the concert by the County Tipperary N.& B. Association of New York.

Before the concert, the choir will sing at mass in St. Barnabas High School Chapel with celebrant Fr. Bernie Moloney, former chaplain of Cashel Community School.

Music teacher John Murray says the school are “very proud” of their students. “It’s an honour to be part of the 1916 celebrations in Yonkers and we are very privileged to have received an invitation from the County Tipperary N.&B. Association of New York. The students are understandably extremely excited about performing in Yonkers, and I know they will show New York what they are capable of and be great ambassadors for young people and Ireland while away,” he continues.

Mr. Murray offers a special word of thanks to the parents of the students who fundraised and paid for the trip, and also to the management and staff of the school for supporting the choir throughout the entire planning process.

The travelling party will be afforded the opportunity to visit the many historical and cultural sights that New York City has to offer, including soaking up the atmosphere on Broadway. Sixth year student Rebecca Carroll is “very excited” about her first trip to 'The City That Never Sleeps'. “This is an amazing opportunity as it’s a once in a lifetime trip. It's definitely a trip I will never forget,” 17 year old Rebecca notes.

Fifth year student Ciaran McKenna is looking forward to sightseeing and experiencing the culture of the 'Big Apple'. “The concert should be amazing and getting to perform for the Americans is a great privilege,” 16 year old Ciaran adds.

Sixth year student Keeley O'Grady is also relishing the trip.  “I love being involved in the school choir and being invited to New York to sing is absolutely amazing. I have never been to America and who better to go with than all the members of the choir,” 17 year old Keeley concludes.