Photo| Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com) Finbar in action with the singing group Harmony at the Mall Arts Centre

Finbar has always been interested in music, and learned to play piano at Presentation Convent, taught by Sr. Mary Colman, and later at St. Colman’s College, Fermoy, by Paddy Hegarty. In UCC he was a member of the Dramatic and Choral Societies. He joined the bass line of the Youghal Choral Society – founded by the late Mrs. Evelyn O’Regan and Mother Cecilia of Loreto Convent – in its second year. Marie, his late wife, was already a member. He was appointed conductor of the choir, under the VEC, by the late Pilib O’Laoghaire and the choir came first in its category that year – and the next. It then went on to win honours at many other festivals throughout the country including the Oireachtas, the Pan Celtic, the Wild Geese and the Wexford Festivals and sang for the President of the time, the late Cearbhall O’Dalaigh and also for the late Cardinal Tomas O’Fiaigh. The Choir performed at the The Strand Palace for the Rochdale Festival and it was there, too, that Finbar took to the stage with The Little Theatre for the first time in a one-act play – ‘Green for Danger’, directed by Ruth Casey.  His first full-length play was in what was then called the Town Hall, or The Mall House – as Decius in ‘The Shop at Slye Corner’, directed by Albert Cole.

With Glenbower Theatre Company, Finbar won the Best Actor Award (and a scholarship to Gormanstown College), at The All-Ireland Drama Festival.

As a member of the Everyman Group in Cork, he played leading roles in a number of plays including ‘The Promise’ (Arbuzov) and John Osborne’s ‘Luther’, and guested with The Abbey Touring Company in ‘Soldier’.

The choir was rehearsing Christmas carols when Marie died as a result of a road accident. Mike was only two.

Finbar hadn’t the heart to continue with the choir or the plays for a long time after that.

He eventually rejoined The Little Theatre and performed in many of their productions.

He became involved in The Musical Society’s first four shows – Musical Director for ‘The Sound of Music’ (directed by Edmond Fitzgerald). Then Musical and Stage Director for ‘Oklahoma,’ (in which he also played the part of Jud), for’Annie,’ and for ‘South Pacific,’ (in which he also played the part of Emile de Becq).  He also directed ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ for Dungarvan Dramatic Club and was Musical Director for ‘An Evening at the West End’ and ‘My Fair Lady’ at Lismore (also playing Alfie Doolittle in that show).

He has also taken part in shows in Fermoy with the Muscial Society there, and played the lead – opposite Colette Kidney – in the late David Gordon’s production of ‘The Sound of Music’.

However, he loves above all else to work in Youghal and is now Musical Director of the local group ‘Harmony’ which provides an opportunity for the further development of singing, dancing and acting talent in the town, that is free, enjoyable and open to the whole community.  The group has a varied repertoire which includes Barbershop, Classical, Folk, Gospel, Musicals, Pop, Shanties etc.

‘Harmony’ has staged such shows as; the musical plays, ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’ (with Youghal Little Theatre) and ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’; the musical, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’,'A Tribute to John B. Keane’ and ‘Showtime!’ (best-loved songs from modern musicals), in Youghal, and in the Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, and recently ‘From Here to Broadway’! and ‘Broadway for Christmas!’. ‘Harmony’ has also performed at functions organised by various community groups, including the Classical Concert in St. Mary’s with Cara O’Sullivan.

‘Harmony’ is now recruiting for ‘Guys and Dolls’, to be staged in May. It promises to be a great show.  If you would like to join please contact Mary at 024 92388. Everybody welcome!

Please click on image to start slideshow- Photographs taken at the civic reception held in his honour at the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, back in December 2007.