The 800th anniversary of St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal is being marked this year with services, concerts, art works and talks. The celebrations started with a performance of G.F. Handel’s Messiah in St Mary’s, by the East Cork Choral Society and Orchestra.

Canon Andrew Orr, Rector of Youghal Union of Parishes, writes:

The centre aisles of the church were full, with 280 people in attendance, in addition to the choir of 55 and orchestra of 11. Proceeds of the concert went to local charities and the Red Cross Ukraine appeal, and in the audience were a number of guests who had recently arrived from Ukraine and who are now living in the Imperial Hotel.

Unfortunately, the society’s long standing conductor, Colin Nicholls, was unable to be present due to illness, and everyone wished him a speedy recovery on the night. Thankfully, Dr. Ian Sexton was able to conduct from the chamber organ and the choir and orchestra were magnificent.

This was a wonderful way to start our 800th anniversary celebrations. We were delighted with the full house on the night and the combination of music and the atmosphere of this extraordinary church made it a concert to remember. Huge thanks to Youghal Credit Union for their sponsorship and to all the team at St Mary’s who
made it such a great night.