Eugene and Margaret Casey with Mary and Pat Flynn.
George Daly Newcastle West and District Lions Club Christmas Concert
Lions Club Christmas Concert a Resounding Success
The music and the atmosphere in the Church of the Immaculate Conception were truly magical and uplifting last Sunday. Red Hurley, the Unity Gospel Choir Limerick and soprano Sandra Oman wowed the audience with a wonderful blend of Christmas, Gospel, Crossover Classical music and even a U2 song. From the very first song of the choir the Church came to life with everyone responding in voice and loud applause.
Red Hurley’s voice and stage presence were everything and more than expected and his interaction with the audience set the mood for a night to remember. His choice of pieces included ‘How Great Thou Art’, ‘Ave Maria’, ‘Silent Night’, ‘Our Father’ and ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’, a number of which were accompanied by the Unity Gospel Choir. The gathering were on their feet several times with praise. Eugene McCarthy’s Band and backing singers were perfect.
A late and fantastic addition to the line-up was Sandra Oman, soprano who is setting the musical scene alight. She recently reached Number 1 on the iTunes Vocal Album Downloads list with her album ‘Liberty’ and Number 4 after Adele, Justin Bieber and One Direction in the Top Album Chart. The album title is a reference to her childhood in the Liberties. It was a great opportunity to hear Sandra’s sweet-sounding voice as she rises in the music world.
There were so many highlights on the night including ‘The Prayer’ duet by Red and Sandra that was a pure delight.
Canon Frank Duhig spoke nearing the evening’s end expressing his thanks for the marvelous concert and the God-given talents of all the performers. He, like everyone in the Church, was enthralled by what has been deemed the best-ever Newcastle West & District Lions Club Christmas Concert.
Much as the audience wanted the night to go on and on, the evening had to come to an end. As with tradition for the finale, our star Red Hurley led all the singers and musicians in a moving version of ‘O Holy Night’. All around a memorable night!