CATHEDRAL LUNCHTIME CONCERTS
Tuesday 28thMarch Connor Wilcox (piano) Friday 31st March Irish Chamber Orchestra Academy For details on all of the musical events held in Saint Mary’s Cathedral please log onto www.saintmaryscathedral.ie Admission to the concerts is free (with a retiring collection) Concerts begin at 1.15pm and conclude about 2pm.
OUR MUSICAL MAESTRO
“Derek joined the band in 1976 and learned his music from Jimmy Daly, Bandmaster. Derek became Treasurer of the Band in 1991 when Seán Meehan passed away and Bandmaster in 1992, and has served on the committee since 1989. Derek is an accomplished Flute Player, having played and performed with Ballad and Folk Groups over the years and has travelled abroad playing the flute also. He also guests with our local St Mary’s Senior Choir occasionally. As Bandmaster Derek teaches the learners class every week and is delighted at the current progress of the class this year that have shown great commitment to their lessons. He currently works as an Insurance Broker, and his children, Ciarán, Kate and Rachel, are in the Band also. Derek has a great interest in the history of the Band and has archived many items from the past for future generations of Band members to peruse so past members and their achievements will never be forgotten.” (From the band's 125th Anniversary book 2010)
DR. DEREK MULCAHY
During a downturn in the economy a few years ago, Derek returned to study at Mary Immaculate Training College and succeeded in receiving a Masters in History and English. We wish our local Maestro all the very best with his recently published delightful tome entitled, “To The Left, Quick March.” Derek did his Thesis for his PHD, (2017), on “The Evolution of Fife and Drum Bands in Limerick,” (1839-1930), that traces the history of these bands. His first publication was entitled, “The Leader of The Band, PJ McNamara & McNamaras Band'. I recently spotted the latter in that little literary nugget on Sarsfield Street, known as Quay Books.
ANDREW CHERRY
In keeping with our national feast day, it is fitting to remember Andrew Cherry who was born in Quay Lane, directly opposite St. Mary’s Cathedral in the year 1762. Just imagine 261 years ago! His father was a printer and a bookseller who operated his business on nearby Mary Street. And although he spent a period of time working at his father's business, his hankering for the stage superseded all else, causing him to join a travelling theatre group that originated in Naas, County Kildare. And despite his natural aptitude for the stage where he received many an accolade, and his generous outlay of play-writing, it is for the writing of “The Dear Little Shamrock” that he is best remembered. You will find a proper and more extensive account of our late local thespian in a publication of mine entitled “Ten Lamb Chops for a Pound” (2014 and extremely rare) Below is the lesser known third verse of that universally popular song.
That dear little plant that springs from our soil,
When it's three little leaves are extended,
Denotes from the stalk we together should toil,
And ourselves by ourselves be befriended.
And still thro' the bog, thro' the brake, and the mireland,
From one root should branch, like the Shamrock of Ireland.
THE BRAVE FOUNDRESS
Grafted on to the wall which leads on to the Island Road are three or four expertly executed plaques where the information is clearly displayed regarding the very infancy of the Sisters of Mercy. Etched into one of these plaques is the following information: “Mother Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy and Mother Elizabeth Moore entered by this doorway on September 24th, 1838 to found St Mary’s Convent.” And I maintain we must not forget the past in whatever area of life we many happen to be contemplating. In this case many will happily recall the brilliant education we received at this local school in times that were hard, but we did not know it. And these nuns whp taught us I imagine were not exactly living in luxury either.
FIRST SUPERIOR
Yet another excellent plaque states the following: “Mother Elizabeth Moore, first Superior of St Mary’s Convent, who established foundations in Kinsale, Killarney, Mallow, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Roscommon, Ennis, and Branch Houses in Mt. St Vincent’s, Rathkeale, Newcastlewest, Adare and St Camillus Hospital.”
