Sold-out Samaritans concert in Athlone Friary to be live-streamed
Tickets for next week's annual Gala Samaritan Christmas Concert at the Franciscan Friary in Athlone are completely sold out, but the event is expected to be available for viewing online via a live-stream.
The concert takes place on Wednesday, December 6, at 8pm, and Deirdre Collins of the Athlone and Midlands Samaritans said it was hoped to live-stream the concert thanks to the kind offer of the Midlands Polish Community CLG.
The live stream will be on the 'Midlands Polish Community MPC -TV' YouTube channel, and will also be live-streamed on the Athlone Franciscans page at: mcnmedia.tv.
The Band of 2 Brigade, based in Athlone, and conducted by Captain John Carpenter will again provide the main musical support for what will be the 31st Gala Samaritan Christmas Concert.
The band has been the constant musical support for this popular event since 1991. The Samaritans are very grateful to Fr Gabriel Kinahan and the Franciscan Community for facilitating the concert again this year, and to all those who faithfully support the concert.
The compere for this year's concert will be Joe McCarrick. The band will be accompanied by Mezzo Soprano Gemma Ni Bhriain, Athlone A Cappella, and the ever-popular Athlone Pipe Band.
The Athlone Pipe Band has been in existence for many years and the pipe Major is Sgt. David Kelly from Custume Barracks.
Athlone A Cappella are a ladies barbershop chorus who sing with no musical accompaniment. Formed in 2013 with only 4 members they now have 44 members and are under the direction of Hilary Roche since they regrouped post-Covid in 2022.
They have been crowned National Female Barbershop Champions four times. Most recently, they came second in the National Irish Barbershop Competition and were the highest placed female chorus.
* The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on freecall 116 123 for anyone who is lonely, troubled or simply needs to talk to someone in confidence.