St. Michael’s Folk Choir’s Annual Carol Singing Event

St Michael’s Folk Choir

Carol singing has become an annual ritual for the St Michael’s Folk Choir. On Christmas Eve, the choir, together with a combination of choirs, singers, and instrumentalists, entertained shoppers and passers-by with their medley of festive entertainment.

The day began with a one-hour musical extravaganza by the Town Band. The townspeople and visitors enjoyed the festive event, with the choir and the band enjoying the atmosphere and goodwill it created.

As well as providing Christmas cheer in the town, large amounts of money were raised for charity. €11,622 was raised in 2024, thanks to the generosity of the townspeople and the hinterland. This year the monies collected will be given to The Ballinasloe Lions Club and Ballinasloe Care and Repair.

The Lions Club has been in existence for over 40 years. They distribute food hampers and donations to local hardship cases all year round. They have recently launched Message in a Bottle, which encourages people living alone to keep all their medical details in an easy-to-find place. They have also run Suicide Awareness courses in the past and intend to run further courses in 2025 in conjunction with the HSE.

Ballinasloe Care and Repair, in conjunction with Ballinasloe Social Services, was set up in April 2010. It is part of Age Action Ireland, a national organisation which carries out jobs for older people.

To date, the folk choir has collected €112,722 and has donated the proceeds to local organisations. They are very grateful to Thomas and Caroline Gullane for providing access to their premises and to the collectors for their volunteerism in making this event a success each year.
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The choir practises every Wednesday from 7.00 pm to 7.45 pm in St Michael’s Church and new members are welcome at any time of the year. The folk choir sings at the Vigil Mass on Saturday evenings in St Michael’s Church at 7.00 pm. To join, contact Anne Jordan on 087 7443646.