Local church to host 35th Samaritans Christmas Concert

The Army Band of 2nd Brigade, based in Athlone, will once again provide the main musical support for the 35th Annual Gala Samaritans Christmas Concert which will take place in the Church of Ss Peter and Paul on Thursday, December 11, at 8pm.

This year, the Defence Forces Band will be conducted by Capt. William Chester. Capt. William Chester had been a trumpet player with the band for nine years and last year William was commissioned as an Officer of the Army School of Music and subsequently appointed as Conductor of the Band of the 2nd Brigade,

The Band will be accompanied by Tenor Paul Linehan, who was a great hit at last year’s concert, and will return this year to treat the audience to some of his popular operatic classic renditions such as Nessun Dorma, O Sole Mio and other musical favourites.

A native of Cork, Paul has performed throughout the country, from Belfast’s Waterfront Theatre and Cork Opera House to The National Concert Hall and Farmleigh House as well as many other venues nationally and internationally. Paul discovered that Annie Moore (the first emigrant through Ellis Island in 1842) and he were first cousins, three times removed! From this, he created the musical show “Annie Moore- First Immigrant”, that illustrates the hardships and successes of his ancestor.

Further musical delights will be provided by the award-winning choir, Athlone A Cappella and the ever-popular Athlone Pipe Band.

The Samaritans Christmas Concert is a vital fundraising event for the completely voluntary Athlone and Midlands Branch of the Samaritans organisation that provides listening and emotional support to anyone who is lonely, isolated, depressed or feeling suicidal. It is also a very important way for the Samaritans to raise awareness of their 24/7 availability, especially over the festive season that can be so difficult for many people. Last year’s concert was a tremendous success that, thanks to the wonderful attendance and the generosity of sponsors, raised almost €27,000.

Tickets : €20. Mulligan’s Londis Roscommon Road, Whyte's Pharmacy, Arcadia, Cunningham’s Pharmacies, Dublin Road and Monksland, and Athlone Printing.com, St Mary’s Square.

The Samaritans are available 24hrs on freecall 116 123 for anyone who is lonely, troubled or just needs to talk to someone in confidence.