New choir set up in Moate

A new community choir in Moate has been established by Moate Community School (MCS) music teacher Giselle Foley to give people "an opportunity to try something different."

Te new choir, An Cór Lár Tíre, is open to all adults over 18 and aims to build on the rich musical heritage that the Midlands has to offer.

Giselle, a native of Athlone, explained: “I think a lot of people suffered socially during the Covid pandemic and this community choir will be an opportunity to try something different, to explore a new skill, to find company and a sense of belonging, to improve health and wellbeing and to make a contribution to your community. Moate and it's surrounding hinterland boasts a fantastic resource of musically talented people and this choir will provide them with an opportunity to come together and share their talents.

“On a personal level, I want to offer my choral experience and skills to the wider community so that they can reap the same rewarding benefits and enjoyment as I have been privileged to experience over the years.”

Ms Foley has been the musical director of St Mary's parish choir in Athlone since 1995 and since joining the staff of MCS she has assisted with the school choirs. The long-standing musical director became the director of both student choirs and established a staff choir in 2017.

The type of repertoire will be choral arrangements of well known songs throughout the ages and choir practice will commence early September.

No previous experience is necessary to join the choir. Rehearsals will be held in the Carmelite Pastoral Centre in Moate.