By Sean Moriarty

Students brought 'Joy to the World' - as well as the town centre on Thursday - as they warmed their vocals for their annual carol singing session.

It was a special occasion as it was the 20th year Leaving Certificate students from St Brendan’s College have been carol singing for charity at Market Cross. And such was the generosity of the public that the boys raised €2,255.

Each year, since 2001, the students and one of the college’s teachers, Paul Barden, organise a Christmas Carol session and bucket collection as a fundraiser for St Vincent de Paul.

Their day began at St Columbanus’ Nursing Home but COVID-19 restrictions meant they had to sing in the windows to the residents rather stage an indoor concert.

At lunch time they took over the Market Cross and entertained locals and visitors with an-hour long performance.

“Each year we raise at least €1,000 and the money always goes to St Vincent de Paul,” Mr Barden, who is one of the school’s Irish and Religion teachers, explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

“I am lucky to have some of the students who performed with Liam O’Connor last week – I need that extra talent to make it work as I have none.”

Afterwards the students attended the college’s annual Christmas dinner. Each student paid €10 for the dinner and this money will be donated to families connected with the school who have suffered bereavements this year.