Poignant event as big crowds return for Samaritan concert

This year's Samaritans Christmas Concert, held at the Franciscan Friary Church in Athlone last Wednesday night, undoubtedly carried even more significance than usual. This was mainly because of the news which emerged last October that the Franciscans would be leaving Athlone after serving the town and environs for almost 800 years.

With the future of the Franciscan Church unclear, many people were keen to support the event - in aid of the Athlone and Midland Samaritans - in case it proves the last at a church close to the hearts of people in the Athlone area.

In addition, interest in the event was surely increased by the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the Christmas concert from taking place in 2020 and 2021. Although there was a concert held in February of this year to mark the 30th anniversary of the foundation of the Athlone & Midland Samaritans, many people looked forward to the concert returning to its traditional festive slot.

The concert was completely sold out and even the bitterly cold weather and treacherous driving conditions didn't prevent people from turning up to support the event in person. Indeed, St Anthony's Church was almost full well before the start time.

Such was the demand for tickets that the concert was streamed for the first time, with many people tuning in from various parts of the world.

Compere for the concert was Brigadier General Peter O'Halloran, retired Defence Forces Assistant Chief of Staff. He spoke about the vital work of the Samaritans in providing a 24-hour listening service for people experiencing loneliness, despair, anxiety or depression, and those who simply need to talk about their problems in complete confidence. He said the Athlone and Midland Samaritans branch responds to an average of 23,000 calls every year.

Fr Gabriel Kinahan, Guardian of the Franciscan community in Athlone, and his colleagues were acknowledged for supporting the concert over the years and their overall contribution to the region.

"It would be remiss not to thank the Franciscans for their wonderful years of ministry to the people of Athlone and the surrounding area. Thank you to the Franciscan community; you will be sadly missed," said Peter O'Halloran.

On behalf of Deirdre Collins, the chief organiser of the concert, Mr O'Halloran thanked several people for their assistance in making it possible to hold the event.

As usual, the centrepiece of the concert was the Army Band of the 2nd Brigade, under the baton of Captain Thomas Kelly, while the special guest soloist was the richly talented Kelli Ann Masterson from Wexford.

The band began with a Christmas medley, arranged by Leroy Anderson, featuring such Christmas favourites as 'Joy to the World' and 'Deck the Halls'.

The audience was also treated to music from such popular films as Star Wars, Top Gun and Home Alone. The work of renowned American composer John Williams was featured and there was a 'A Home Alone Christmas' segment arranged by Paul Lavender.

The St Brigid's Community Choir performed a selection of songs. In the beginning the choir mainly drew its members from people involved with St Brigid's GAA in Kiltoom, before spreading into the wider community.

The choir, conducted by Andrius Kozlovskis from Lithuania, performed 'Gaudete' (a Christmas carol in Latin), 'Night of Silence', 'City of Stars' and 'Dreams' (the popular Cranberries song).

Kelli Ann Masterson's performance included 'Je veux vivre' - an Aria from an opera based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. She also sang the hugely popular Christmas hymn 'O Holy Night', and received more than one standing ovation on the night.

Following the short interval, the ever popular Athlone Pipe Band resumed proceedings in characteristically stirring fashion.

Performing 'Let Erin Remember', 'Highland Cathedral' and 'An Tostal', the band created a wonderful cacophony of sound which reverberated around the church.

The congregation joined with the choir, the Army Band of the 2nd Brigade and Kelli Ann in singing 'O Come, All Ye Faithful' and 'Silent Night', before the band rounded the night off in suitably festive fashion with 'Sleigh Ride'.