Award Winning Artists perform for Hugh O’Flaherty Anniversary Concert

01 February 2010

Just before the late Cllr. Michael Courtney passed away he was busy organising a fundraising concert to celebrate Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty's Birthday, which is to take place on Sunday 28th February in the Church of the Resurrection, Killarney at 8pm. 

In his role as Chairman Michael spearheaded the campaign to achieve more recognition for the Monsignor's work during World War 2 and also to fundraise for a permanent memorial to this great Killarney man.  With Michael's sad passing, the committee have decided to press on with the fundraising activity with even more vigour in memory of their committee colleague.

Jerry O'Grady, fellow committee member stated "We are going to miss Michael so much from the committee, as he was a big driving force behind everything and a great friend to us all.  Organising the concert was one of the last things he was working on so we want to make sure that this work continues and want to create an even more special occasion in memory of our dear friend."

Producing the concert will be Aidan O'Carroll, Founder and Principal of the Kerry School of Music and Performing Arts.  Aidan stated "When I first heard of the work of the Memorial Committee I contacted Michael to see if we could help in some way and we decided on a concert to mark the Monsignor's birthday.  We have very strong ties with Killarney and wanted to help in some way to celebrate the work of the Monsignor's.  To mark the occasion we have been working on a very special programme, while mindful of the Church setting, it will be a performance that we hope will both thrill and move the audience."

The evening's highlights will include Cesar Frank's "Panis Angelicus" in a completely new arrangement for soloist, choir and orchestra by Aidan O' Carroll as well as Mozart's stunning "Exultate Jubilate" for Soprano and Orchestra.

A special tribute to composer Sean O'Riada will be performed by the McCrohan Brothers, John, Reggie and Stephen whose wonderfully blended harmonies have won them a huge and loyal following. There will also be a special appearance by Killarney Flautist Aisling O' Dwyer as well as Aidan's daughter soprano Aisling O'Carroll.

Aisling is currently studying voice with Dr Veronica Dunne at the Royal College of Music in Dublin.  Dr Dunne was a lifetime friend of the Monsignor's having studied in Rome after World War 2 while the Monsignor was still posted at the Vatican.  She will be travelling to Killarney for this special night and will open the concert with her own special memories of the Monsignor.

All of the artists are giving generously of their time free of charge and the proceeds from this night will go towards the Memorial Fund which is currently fundraising to build a permanent memorial of the Monsignor in Killarney town. 

Admission to the event is free, with a suggested donation of €20 per person towards the fund.

More detailed information on the Monsignor's life and a schedule of events and activities that are being planned to honour this great man can be found on www.hughoflaherty.com