Ecumenical Advent Carol Service at Ennis Cathedral

Everything went off smoothly at the annual Ecumenical Advent Carol Service held this year in Ennis Cathedral    The church  was full  to hear the combined Abbey  Cluster choirs and orchestra, conducted by Michael Hennessy and all numbers went without a hitch. I always enjoy the band in this accoustic and the Ennis Brass Band added a festive air to the occasion and sounded splendid.particularly the shimmering percusion provided by father and son team Kieran and Gary McAllister.

Personally I would like to see an emphasis specifically on Advent material during the week before Christmas and it would be nice to see an Irish input in the carol selection next year to balance the Germanic chorale strand , maybe  one from  excellent liturgical Irish composers, Colin Mawby or Ronan McDonagh would be nice for a change  .  Mind you, having been at four services/ concerts this week where Christmas material has featured , I probably am more ready for alternatives than most and it is specially a time for old favourites.

It was good to see a squad of organists in the loft ready for duty including  brothers Leon and Dylan Walsh, Nigel Bridge and Megan Byrt. There was a pleasant buzz in the Cathedral as peopled lingered to meet and greet following the event , no one seeming in any particular hurry out into the cold night air.

Given the proximity of several sacred  spaces  in Ennis of both traditions,  it would be good to see the ecumenical spirit  ongoing at a regular  monthly  Sunday evening liturgy when  the festive season  is over.

Michael Hennessy Director Cathedral Choir

 
 

Violin Section




Wind and Brass



Choirs of Abbey Cluster get into position

 The annual service was presided over by Rev. Bob Hanna and recently ordained Bishop Kieran O Reilly was in attendance.

Order of service

Ennis Brass Band

Once in Royal David's City
Reading from Isiah  7:10-14
O Come Emmanuel
When A Child is Born Ennis Brass Band
Silent Night    as Gaeilge
Candlelight Carol Rutter
Reading Micah 5, 2-5
Reading Luke 2:1-7
Away in a Manger
the First Noel
O Holy Night   Adam
Adeste Fidelis
Walking in the Air Blake  Ennis Brass Band
Hark the Herald