On 31st January, the vigil of St Brigid’s feast day, Bishop Paul McAleenan attended, ‘A Celebration of Irish music, poetry and dancing’ at St James’ Church, Piccadilly, a concert hosted by the Irish Chaplaincy. The London Celtic Youth Orchestra opened the show and soon had the audience of several hundred clapping their hands and tapping their feet. They were followed by a host of talented musicians and poets. The first half was brought to a close by the ever-popular Irish Pensioners’ Choir, who had the audience enthusiastically singing along to ‘Mountains of Mourne’.
The second half of the concert began with the Luckpenny Ceílí band, who performed a set of traditional Irish airs, and there was more dancing and more singing, which included a moving tribute to Mary Black, performed by Rev Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James and a former professional soprano.
Eddie Gilmore, CEO of the Irish Chaplaincy, closed the varied, uplifting and memorable evening with one of his own songs, ‘Fare Ye Well’ and thanked the audience for their support.
The concert was attended by the Irish Ambassador, Adrian O’Neill, and Councillor Richard Cotton, ex-mayor of Camden, where the Chaplaincy is based.
The Irish Chaplaincy supports Irish people in Britain, especially those most in need, including prisoners, Travellers and seniors. In its outreach to isolated, elderly Irish people in London, the Irish Chaplaincy Seniors’ Project works especially closely with Caritas Westminster. For more information, go to: www.irishchaplaincy.org.uk.
