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By Michelle Crean

A special Christmas video which was posted online this week has already reached almost 3,000 views as boys in The Sem wish the community a happy Christmas.

As it has been a difficult year for everyone and as performances couldn't go ahead this year, music teachers Mish O'Donoghue and Niamh O'Connell from the school decided to do something for the people of Killarney.

"We in the Music Dept in St Brendan's have missed the buzz and excitement around performing in general but so many people in Killarney hoped that our annual carol service might still go ahead," Mish told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

"2020 has been a difficult year for everybody. Under current restrictions we knew this would be impossible and so decided to try to create something where we could still convey a Christmas sentiment. We wanted to let people know that we are thinking of them and that while they were missing out on that special night we are also missing the encouragement and support they have been giving us for so many years now. We decided therefore to bring our music out to the people of Killarney and began recording at the beautiful Tree of Light in front of our magnificent cathedral."

First year students Dara Lynch and Ronán Bennett sang the opening song 'This Christmas' and then senior students, lead by Rian Colleran on guitar, sang 'Maybe This Christmas'.

"They finished the recording on Thursday night in College Street under the fabulous Christmas lights and then did some frantic editing during the day on Friday before posting the video on Friday evening," she said.

"We are delighted to have got such a positive response and want to thank all who have contacted us for their kind words. We wish the entire St Brendan's family and everyone in Killarney a happy and safe Christmas and of course hope that before too long we will be performing live for our loyal supporters once more."

To see the full video search YouTube: A Very Sem Happy Christmas 2020.