50 years singing on stage

50 years singing on stage

10 October 2012

ST Patrick’s Choral Society celebrated their 50th Anniversary Gala Ball in the Mill at Ballydugan on Saturday evening.

Among the guests were founder members Brendan and Maureen Keohane, who still have strong links with the society today.

St. Patrick’s Choral Society was founded in 1962 by Declan Mc Grady when Declan, with members of St. Patrick’s Choir, met with Canon Connolly in the vestry of St. Patrick’s Church to discuss forming a choral group to perform concerts and musicals.

The first concert was performed in the Canon’s Hall on December 18,1962. A number of concerts followed featuring guests including Brendan O’Dowd, Mary Gilmore and Joseph Locke.

In 1964 the Society performed a full stage performance of The Bohemian Girl, followed in 1965 by Maritana. During the next ten years St. Patrick’s Choral Society performed a selection of the Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas including The Gondoliers, The Mikado, HMS Pinafore and Trial by Jury.

St. Patrick’s Choral Society is busy preparing for their next Youth Show, Joseph. The show will run from October 24 to 27 October in the Great Hall at the Downshire Estate. Tickets priced at £10 are available from Gordon’s Chemist Downpatrick, or by telephoning Bronagh on 07855 775634.