Operating in almost every diocese in the country, St Vincent de Paul do their work in a discreet, unassuming manner.

The Christmas period in particular places considerable demands on its services and like every other charitable organisation, funds need to be replenished. With this in mind, the Fermoy branch organised a gala concert in the local St Patrick's Church on Friday evening, February 13th.

The St Vincent de Paul network in Fermoy is extensive and this valuable resource was utilised to the maximum to ensure a strong uptake on ticket sales. The intense effort paid off handsomely with a crowd in excess of 500 turning up for an event headlined by internationally renowned soprano Cara O'Sullivan.

Supporting Cara were Michael Tierney, The Wilcollane Singers and members of the Cork Garda Male Choir under the baton of Marjorie Moran. 'The Impossible Dream', 'Bring Him Home', 'O Mio Babbino Caro', 'Ave Maria', 'Dare I Believe My Heart' and a selection of tunes from 'Oklahoma' were some of the offerings served up to a knowledgeable and appreciative crowd.

MC for the evening was Ted O'Regan and like any good pro, he didn't come unprepared.

This landmark church has hosted similar concerts before with its excellent acoustics is a big selling point. The large crowd helped generate some welcome heat and the majority of concert goers arrived with a vast array of cushions, which are essential given the unforgiving construction of traditional church seating.

Fr Aquin Casey was on hand throughout to assist, with musical direction in the hands of the aforementioned Marjorie Moran and the equally talented Anne Dunphy. Providing technical support were Danny Higgins, Dirk Bowman, Kieran Barry, Barry Mason and Des Eason.

Ancillary services were provided by Christy Healy (Colaiste an Chraoibhin), Katherine Keane, Hickey's Fashions, Trish Joyce, Ronan Condon, William Hughes, the Altar Society and indispensable sacristan, Anne Leahy.

Individual and corporate backing was provided by Dave Ryan (Amber Service Station, Fermoy), Michael Riordan (Riordan's SuperValu, Fermoy), Brian Herlihy (Herlihy's Centra, Fermoy), Orla Mellerick (Mellerick's Well & Good Health Shop), Tom Bryan (Toss Bryan's, Fermoy), Pat Morrissey (Fermoy Credit Union), Cork Opera House, Ciaran Moran and Donal O'Loughlin.

Members of An Garda Siochana were also formally represented at what was an atmospheric, well attended, uplifting and ultimately very successful fundraiser in aid of a most deserving cause.

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