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Simon Casey looking forward to Samaritans Concert

Simon Casey is looking forward to performing not only in a church setting, but also with the 4th Western Brigade Army Band, when he takes part in this year's Samaritans Annual Christmas Festival Concert.

Taking place in the Friary Church in Athlone on Wednesday December 9, Simon is already enjoying the rehearsals with the army band and the Athlone Choral Society. He said that performing in a church setting has a totally "different feel" and he'd love to do more of it.

"It's something that I'm delighted to do for the Samaritans. It's my first time to perform at it and I'm really looking forward to it. Ronan Tynan and some other high-profile singers have performed so I'm honoured to do it," said Simon yesterday (Tuesday).

Simon will be performing a wide and popular selection of Christmas carols on the night, as well as well-known songs from musicals such as Les Miserables and the Phantom of the Opera and a few ballads as well.

Simon has just finished recording an album of Irish ballads for the American market, and has been touring a lot in the States over the last two years. He said there's still a big market out there for traditional Irish songs. Although still based in Ireland, Simon goes over to America for a few weeks at a time when on tour.

"I love it, it's been great. I've been at this since 2003 and I'm still making a living from it," he said. "But the Samaritans gig is something that's always great to do."

Samaritans Annual Christmas Festival Concert is taking place in the Friary Church Athlone on Wednesday December 9, at 8pm. Admission is €10 and tickets are available Musicworld, Golden Island Shopping Centre and The Castle Gift Shop, Castle Street.

The Athlone Samaritans are situated at 3 Court Devenish, Athlone.

The Samaritans are a totally voluntary organisation dedicated to befriending the anxious, the lonely, the despairing and the suicidal or anyone who is troubled and just needs to talk to someone in complete confidence. They are available 24 hours a day at 1850 60 90 90.