In Pictures: Fabulous Abbey Singers and Tirchonaill Youth Choir in concert

There was a wonderful atmosphere of seasonal joy at the Abbey Singers Christmas Concert in Donegal Town. Click on the arrows to see Siobhan McNamara's photos of the event:

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This annual event took place in the Abbey Hotel on Thursday, December 12. The Abbey singers were joined by the Tirchonaill Singers youth choir who put on a polished performance under the direction of Berni Canny.

Eileen Carr was musical director and Laura Cotterill was accompanist for the Abbey Singers, with Jonathan Huss on piano for the youth choir.

Berni Canny had a special word of praise for Jonathan, thanking him for his exceptional contribution over the last few years. Now in his Leaving Cert year, Jonathan will be stepping down from the role in order to pursue his studies.

“He leaves very big shoes to fill,” said Berni.

Having first taken place around 30 years ago, the Abbey Singers Christmas concert is very much a feature of the Christmas festivities in Donegal Town. It is very well supported and enjoyed by the local community, and each year a partner charity benefits from the event.

Therese Campbell spoke to the audience about this year’s beneficiary, Donegal Town Family Resource Centre, which, she said, offers incredible services to people of all ages.

“The proceeds tonight of the raffle are going to their counselling service,” she said. 

“It has been the most difficult time for everybody, especially since Covid. Even for young children, they are providing counselling. I think that is a really important thing, and I hope that you will be generous in your ticket-buying tonight.

“We are very happy to be able to do this for that organisation.”

More than €1,100 was raised from raffle ticket sales on the night.