by Simon McGeady, Inishowen Independent
THE annual ecumenical Carndonagh Christmas carol
service takes place in the Church of the Sacred
Heart, on Friday, December 18 at 8pm. This is the
tenth anniversary of the event and the last
involving founder members Margaret O’Kane and Con
McDermott.
“For many, the carol service now signals the start
of Christmas,” said Mrs O’Kane, who, along with the
organising committee, is currently busy arranging
this year’s programme.
Many musicians and singers who took part in the
first Carn Christmas Carol in 2000 are returning to
perform at this year’s event.
They will be joined on the altar by regular carol
singers, the Inishowen Gospel Choir, and children
from all the local schools. Representatives from the
four main churches in Inishowen will also attend the
service.
“We have a new musical director, Helen Haughey, the
organist from the Sacred Heart Choir. She will be
introducing a couple of new carols at the service.
The Inishowen Gospel Choir has been with us for
several years now. They will do a couple of numbers
on their own as well as sing with the entire group.”
A group of around 20 singers gathered at the
Carndonagh parochial house last Thursday evening and
it was far from a silent night as Helen led the
group through hit after festive hit. The public are
in for a real treat next week, if this behind the
scene’s preview is anything to go by.
Looking back on her decade organising the event, Mrs
O’Kane said she was surprised at how quickly the
idea took hold.
“The carol service is not a particular Irish
tradition, and when I approached the then Parish
Priest, Fr Seamus Farrelly, about having a service
in Carn, and he too wasn’t sure if people would
come, but I’m happy to say it became very popular
very quickly.”
Entry to the Carndonagh Christmas carol service is
free of charge, although those attending are asked
to make a contribution to a collection for local
charities, which will be held on the night. |
