“Carols By Candlelight”, St. Kieran’s Church, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny

Thurles Town Joins the Village of Johnstown for ‘Carols by Candlelight’.

“Carols by Candlelight,” an ecumenical service of Christmas Carols in the ambience of candlelight only, will take place just a 15 minutes drive from Thurles, at St. Kieran’s Church, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny, on Saturday night next, December 10th, beginning at 8.00pm sharp.

The original idea of ‘Carols by Candlelight’ first began in south-eastern Australia, sometime in the 19th century and was popularised in Melbourne in 1937. The tradition has since spread around the world and involves people gathering to sing carols by candlelight only, accompanied usually by a band. Indeed one of the earliest forms of ‘Carols by Candlelight’ began when Cornish Miners in Moonta, South Australia gathered on Christmas Eve to sing carols, lit by candles which were stuck to the brims of their safety helmets.

Performing the vocals at this seasonal Johnstown seated event will be “Cephas,” (Featuring Noreen Ryan, Edward (Ned) and John J. Cullinane), together with Meadhbh Ryan, Maria Cullinane (Johnstown) and Rachel Willoughby (Thurles); all under the superb musical direction of Leanne O’Grady (Violin), Michael O’Grady (Violin), Killian Cullinane (Keyboards) and J.J. Cullinane (Guitar).

“Little Drummer Boy“, “Immanuel“, “Silent Night“, “O Holy Night“, “Mary Did You Know?“, “I Will Lead You Home” and “The Wexford Carol” will be amongst the many beautiful and much loved Christmas Carols performed on Saturday night next, beginning at 8.00pm sharp.

Christmas scripture readings and poetry, foretelling the birth of Christ, will feature the voices of Marie Wilson, Breda Campion, Phil Browne, Mary Anne Browne (Johnstown area), Karen Willoughby and George Willoughby (Thurles). Four primary school children, namely Jane, John Paul, Sarah & Julie will also participate in this most joyous of seasonal events.

While the event itself is free to attend; following the ceremony donations will be accepted to assist in the funding and provision of a much needed ‘Defibrillator’ for the local area.

Defibrillation, as most people are aware, is a life saving treatment for life-threatening, non-perfusing cardiac dysrhythmias. Defibrillation consists of delivering a therapeutic dose of electric current (often called a counter shock) to the heart using this device, by trained individuals. This depolarizes a critical mass of the heart muscle and allows normal sinus rhythm to be re-established, thus saving life.

All, regardless of religious persuasion, are most welcome to attend this truly most enjoyable of Christmas events, conducted by Edward Cullinane.