Kildare choral mass a massive success
The 800 Aniniversary of the Canonisation of Saint Laurence o Toole at the Church of Assumption Castledermot ( The Choir ) Photos Jimmy Fullam
THE CASTLEDERMOT community was still buzzing after locals turned out on Saturday evening 15 November for the local premiere of Aifreann Lorcáin Ua Thuathail, a newly composed Choral Mass honouring Dublin’s patron saint, St Laurence O’Toole, on the 800th anniversary of his canonisation.
The Mass, written by local musician, organist and music teacher Brian Kehoe, and performed by the 80-person Assumption Choir, received its first full public performance in Castledermot Church ahead of its official debut at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin on Saturday 22 November.
Saturday’s event drew a strong local crowd and was warmly received by a visiting French delegation from Eu, the region near Normandy where St Laurence O’Toole died in 1180 and where a cathedral dedicated to him still stands. The parish priest and the mayor of Eu were both in attendance.
After the mass, attendees walked over to Castledermot Community Centre for refreshments and live entertainment from local trad group Cairde agus Ceol.
Brian Kehoe, who has played organ in Castledermot for more than 20 years and composed all eight parts of the Mass, was delighted with how the event went.
“It went really well,” he said. “A great turnout from the local community and all the choir are on a high now to perform up in Dublin. Very well received from our French visitors.”
Saturday’s strong turnout and positive reception energised the choir ahead of their Dublin performance.
