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Let’s hope a new Christmas tradition has started in Youghal with last night’s (Thur 8th Dec 2011) staging of Harmony’s Christmas Special in the Methodist Hall. I left the hall with a spring in my step, a song on my lips and a kindly wish for Christmas. The whole experience was full of seasonal atmosphere. This was largely due to the venue, the staging, the choice of programme and the great talent. Report/Pics by YOL.
Harmony Christmas Special at the Methodist Church hall, Friar Street, Youghal.
Before the performance the director Finbar Hannon thanked the many people who helped with the production including, Gordon Good and the Methodist Community, Susan Healy who decorated the hall and the accompanist for the night Tracey Symon.
The first half of the programme was a medley of songs from the musicals mixed with solo vocal performances by Terri Fitzgerald, Ruth Hayes, Tish Flanagan Pa Murphy, Leah Ahern and Liz Coleman and a solo harp performance by Jane Crowley.
Harmony director Finbar Hannon presents a cheque of 500 euros on behalf of the group to John Power,President of St Vincent de Paul, Youghal Branch. The group were delighted to support the local charity from the monies raised at the successful Harmony Christmas Special.
During the interval a presentation was made by the director Finbar Hannon on behalf of Harmony to John Power who accepted the cheque on behalf of St Vincent de Paul.
The second half got under way with the audience swaying and singing along to the Gospel Songs performed by Harmony Choir conducted by Finbar. The Gospel singing was followed by more numbers from the solo artists and then a duet from cousins Esther and Kitty who sang the well known number “Sisters”! One of the high lights of the show was the re- enactment of the 1915 singing of ‘Silent Night in No Man’s Land’ between the trenches. The solo was performed by Finbar Hannon supported by the male members of the Harmony Choir. The whole effect was both memorable and moving.
Duet from cousins Esther and Kitty who sang the well known number “Sisters”!
Changing the tempo up a gear the Harmony Choir was joined by children from Blackwater Academy, Chatterbox and High Spirits for a medley of Festive Favourites. The atmosphere created got the audience to join in with gusto. Another moving interlude was created by Jack and Esther performing the duet ‘A Winter’s Tale’. The entire show was rounded off with two Christmas Carols ‘O Come all ye Faithful’ and a powerful rendition of ‘Silent Night’.
The intimacy and atmosphere of the setting along with the joyful participation of the audience made for a special Christmas event to be remembered and hopefully to be repeated.
‘Harmony’ is pleased to announce that we have secured performance rights for Martin McDonagh’s hilarious play ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ which we will stage in the Community Centre in May 2012.
Terri Fitzgerald sings "I Don't Know How to Love Him" from the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. Webber/Rice
Solo harp performance by Jane Crowley
Director Finbar Hannon
Click on image to enlarge – Photos by YOL
Christmas festival fun starts with the annual Christmas lights switch on.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com
Carrie Broderick and daughter Catherine with Clodagh Mahon and her daughter Sarah enjoying the annual Christmas Lights switch on
Free entertainment for all the family Youghal is gearing up to put smiles on faces all over East Cork with its upcoming 3rd annual “I Believe….”Christmas Festival. Running from Saturday 28th November throughout the festive season, this highly successful annual event is packed full of activities ensuring that the build up to Christmas is a relaxed, happy and safe environment for locals and visitors alike.
Youghal Pipe Band at the Christmas lights switch on
Initiated by Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce to promote shopping locally, the “I Believe…” Festival promises to build on the great momentum gained during the traditional tourist season of the summer months, when Youghal was given the status
of “family fun destination”
Youghal's own Tilly McCarthy with Piper's Michael McCarthy and Mandy Smiddy
Events at the Switch On included - Youghal comes alive with street entertainment, Barty’s Music Show, Face-painting and Balloon art, Youghal Choral Society perform Christmas Carols, Tones of the famous Youghal Pipe Band and Christmas Lights turned on!
President of Youghal Chamber Eddie Irwin joins in the celebrations at Youghal Tourist office with Mary Cooper, Roberta Taroni from Italy, Beatriz Rebollo from Spain, Carrie Broderick and Clodagh Mahon
Beatriz Rebollo from Spain, Roberta Taroni from Italy, Mary Cooper, Carrie Broderick and Clodagh Mahon celebrate the Christmas lights switch on at Youghal Tourist Office
Captain Kebs drops in for a mineral with Tom Danagher
By Michael Hussey | Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com) | Graphics: Kieran McCarthy
The Crib at St. Raphael’s will be open to the public from Christmas Day onwards between 10am and 5pm. Please come along and say a prayer. Fr. Joe McGuane, Chaplain St. Raphael’s Centre will celebrate The Christmas Day Mass at 10am and Christmas Carols will be sung by The St. Raphael’s Staff Choir.
The St. Raphael's Crib-Youghal
The Crib in St. Raphael’s Church, Youghal, has always been a place to visit for the people of the town and surrounding areas and much work has gone in to the building of this magnificent structure by the staff of St. Raphael’s Centre. Sean Fitzgerald and Gerard Griffin who work at the centre have dedicated many hours on the decorating of The Nativity scene for the adoration of the birth of Jesus by the people of the town.
Youghal people in times past and in particular the residents from Sarsfield Terrace and Raheen Park fondly remember praying at the crib and taken a strand of straw from the Manger as a memento of this most Holiest occasion on the birth of Jesus. Many churches Read more
