Carols by Candlelight
“Carols by Candlelight,” the now long established ecumenical service of Christmas Carols by candlelight, returns to St Mary’s Church, Thurles, Co Tipperary this year, on Sunday next December 14th at 8.00pm sharp.
As special guests this year the St Mary’s Church of Ireland community welcome back singers and former Rock Band members “Cephas,” (Featuring Noreen, Edward (Ned) and John J. Cullinane), together with Thurles Town’s much loved tenor Mr Michael Molumby and Miss Rachel Willoughby; all under the superb musical direction of well known accomplished organist Ms Geraldine Delaney.
Of course the original idea of Carols by Candlelight first originated 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, 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 with candles stuck to the brims of their safety helmets.
Amongst those taking part at this year’s event in Thurles will be community leaders; Mr Seamus Hanafin (Tipperary Co Councillor), Ms Joan Pollard Carew (Local published Poet), Mr John O’Shaughnessy (President Thurles Chamber), Mrs Lila Stanley (St Mary’s Church Restoration member) and Christopher J. Verling, (Rep. An Garda Síochána).
This years seated ecumenical service will be conducted by the Rev Ian Coulter, presently acting Rector of St Mary’s Church Thurles and Rev Fr Thomas Dunne, Cathedral of The Assumption, Thurles. All are invited to attend.
Note: Elderly persons are advised to attend this Christmas event early, thus ensuring seated accommodation.
The usual cup of Tea and a Biscuit or two will be provided after this Christmas event, thus enabling all those attending to “halt awhile” and chat.
Admission is free; however a charity collection will be taken up during the service.
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