In recent years the St Mary’s “Carols by Candlelight,” Service has become a much loved Christmas tradition in the town of Thurles. This year’s Service took place last Friday and, as in previous years, it brought together young and old to celebrate the origins and meaning of Christmas through scripture, song and verse.
In the peaceful setting of St Mary’s Church, all in attendance were given one hour away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations to reflect on the true spirit of the season – sharing, being thankful for our loved ones and remembering those less fortunate than ourselves.
Speaking of gratitude, the Select Vestry of St Mary’s Church have asked me to convey their sincere thanks to the 100 plus people of all Christen denomination who attended the Service, with a very special thank you to singers “Cephas,” (Latter Noreen Cullinane, Edward Cullinane & John J. Cullinane), Rachel Willoughby & Michael Molumby.
A special thanks also to those who read Christmas scripture & poetry; Rev P Massey Cole-Baker, Comdt (Retd) M. Walsh, J. Pollard Carew, Dr K. Willoughby, Councillor Evelyn Nevin, Thurles Chamber Member Paddy Barry, Rachel Willoughby & George Willoughby.
A huge thank you also to Choral Director & Organist for this event, Mr John O’Gorman, whose tremendous talent made this Service possible.
Special thanks also to teacher Miss Brid Ryan, Christian Brothers Primary School Thurles (CBS) and her fantastic young students who participated in this Christmas event.
To those responsible for the Church decoration, Video above, Candle light etc. – namely Lila Stanley, Linda Stanley, Derek Colton, Garry Butler, Stewart Willoughby & Sally Willoughby, thank you for all your hard work.
Finally to our many daily readers and contributors to Thurles.Info, both here in Tipperary & overseas, (in particular Eileen Lean, Michael Bannon, Katie O’Connell Knott, Proinsias Barrett, Patrick Cawley, John O’Loughlin, John Boylan, Perry Plouff, Pat Corbett & Patrick Hayes), on behalf of Brian Corbett & myself may we wish you a happy, healthy & a peaceful Christmas, followed by a very prosperous New Year.
Happy Xmas To All
[img]http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/biggles007/INFO_zps6253ae4c.jpg[/img]
George. Well here we are at our house. Its Boxing Day here in Australia,time 12.AM. Thank you for your lovely Christmas & New Year wish. John and myself invited some dear elderly members for lunch including Kitty O’Sullivan and Kate Fitzpatrick both from Templemore. So we decided it would be very nice first off if we all sat around the table and sang along with the wonderful Carols by Candlelight from St.Mary’s Church from Thurles. So I will turn my computer up as high as possible now and I am sure our neighbours will think the mad Irish are at it again. But really the four neighbours near us just love the Irish music. (Will invite them in for a tot at the end of the day as a peace offering.)
Its very warm and sticky today.
A very happy New Year to you and all your readers from Australia.
[img]http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/biggles007/signmaninfo_zps512c1ec1-1_zps795ade38.jpg[/img]