Date announced for annual Samaritan Christmas Concert in Athlone

The 35th annual Samaritan Christmas Concert will take place on Thursday, December 11, at 8pm, in Ss Peter and Paul's Church, Athlone.

The popular festive fundraiser was traditionally staged in the Franciscan Friary but moved across the Shannon following the Friary's closure last year.

This year's concert will feature the Army Band of the 2nd Brigade, Conductor Captain William Chester, Tenor Paul Linehan, Athlone A Cappella Choir, Athlone Pipe Band and Compere Joe McCarrick.

Tickets, priced €20, are available from Mulligan's Roscommon Road, Whyte's Pharmacy, Arcadia, Cunningham's Pharmacies and Athlone Printing.com.

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