CONCERT FOR CANCER BUS: The Westminister Lourdes Choir who will perform in St Mary's Cathedral on May 30. Photo: Philippa Knight

A Killarney native is bringing the Westminster Lourdes Choir to perform in St Mary’s Cathedral later this month.

Philippa Knight (nee O’Connell) is a Killarney native who now lives in London and is part of the Westminster Lourdes Choir. On Thursday, May 30 she is bringing over 50 choir members, and their families, to Killarney to perform.

The concert will raise funds for the Kerry Cork Health Link bus.

“As a choir we have been lucky enough to perform in many iconic places including Lourdes, Walsingham, Westminster Cathedral and The Grand Hall of the Old Bailey and on one of my many visits home I sat in the cathedral and thought how wonderful it would be to perform here too,’ she said. “I approached Fr Kieran with the idea and he very generously agreed a date with me. This has now resulted in just over 50 choir members, musicians and their families travelling from London to Killarney to stay and perform.”

Philippagrew up in Killarney with her parents, Ralph and Hazel O’Connell, and sister Nicola.

“I know how wonderfully supportive the people of my home town and surrounding areas are and know they will come out and support this event,” she said.

“As a choir we didn’t just want to come and perform, we wanted to give something back to the community as well, and this is why we will be having a shared collection in aid of the Kerry Cork Cancer Link bus,” she added. “I know this incredibly important service isn’t cheap to run but the area cannot afford to be without it. It plays such a vital role in the community, so it is important to us to be able to support it in this way.”