B

By Michelle Crean

A record number of listeners from across the world turned up the volume as they tuned in for a very special concert from Killarney town on Wednesday night. Local musicians and singers decided to brighten the dark days a little by organising ‘A night of songs and music to lift the spirit’ from St Mary's Cathedral.

And, as current restrictions meant no live audience - it didn't deter anyone - as 4,000 enjoyed the sounds from singers Lillie and Jean Foley, pianist Noel O’Sullivan and violinist Olwyn Trant.

The evening began at 8pm with an introduction from Fr Niall Howard.

Then came a selection of songs, Noel O'Sullivan explained.

"We did a selection of chart and religious songs," he told the Killarney Advertiser yesterday (Thursday).
"Lilly sang 'La Vie a Rose' channelling her inner Edith Piaf, Olwyn played a melody from 'The Greatest Showman'. The girls sang some lively numbers and 'Mise Éire'."

The singers finished with 'Pie Jesu' and Noel read Brendan Kennelly's poem 'Begin Again'.

"The concert was streamed via two separate feeds. The parish webcam counted 2,600 views and on Facebook, which was managed by Rachel Foley, we had 1,500 with people from all over Ireland, Europe, America, Australia and England."