Young Clare choir strikes gold at Community Games finals

TALENTED young Clare singers struck gold at the national Community Games finals. A choir made up of 20 children ranging in age from nine to 15 representing the Quin – Clooney Parish brought home gold medals in the under 16 category of the finals in Carlow last weekend.

And for those who haven’t yet had an opportunity to hear these award winning singers a performance is planned for Quin village later this month.

Una Clune who put the choir together and has been working with the youngsters told us, “We’re thrilled with the win, the kids are so excited and happy.”

The choir itself was only set up last May with Una saying the children have been “exceptional” and rehearsed diligently to prepare for the competition.

“It involved a huge commitment from each member since May and all through the summer”.

Explaining why the choir was set up, “I’m a music teacher and I have been working with choirs for years. I know the fun and buzz around it all, I adore music. I have four children and they all love to sing and participate in Community Games which is very strong in Quin – Clooney.

“I saw something on Facebook about choirs in the games and thought I’ll see if I can get something going. I contacted the Community Games here locally who put the idea out there across the primary schools and it grew from there.

“We had one song for the local competition, two at the county and then we had three songs for the All Ireland. As well as the commitment of the children the parents have been wonderfully enthusiastic and supportive.”

Una has loved working with all of the children helping to develop their love of music. Having her own children involved has also been particularly special for her, “To be able to do something with the four of them I just loved it, and they didn’t find me too embarrassing,” she laughs before adding, “It was quite emotional to actually get there and see them all together, I was thrilled.”

For the finals they sang Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sing, Dona Nobis Pacem by Mary Lightfoot and the song Waving Through a Window from the musical Dear Evan Hansen.

Plans are now underway for a public performance on Sunday, September 25 in the Quin community centre at 12 noon, with the choir also making an appearance at mass beforehand.

“They just love performing. On the night of the finals they just smiled at me and I smiled back, it was actually pure magic. I’ve never enjoyed myself as much seeing how much they really, really loved it. I’d love those who didn’t get a chance to hear them sing to do so. It really is something special.”

After a much deserved break the choir are hoping to put on another performance over Christmas before preparations begin for next year’s Community Games.

“I have noticed there is definitely a want in the village for something like this. When we started we were capped at 20 and there was a waiting list for others who wanted to join so we are definitely going to continue on and are looking forward to the Community Games next year.”

The gold medal choir winners are: Dominic Canny, Catherine Casey, Bobby Clune, Keelin Clune, Nessa Clune, Sinead Clune, Roise Gallagher, Siofra Gallagher, Camille Hammond, Orla Hoey, Kayleigh Loughnane, Nina McCarthy, Anna-Mae McGrath, Adrianna Minniter, Colm O’Gara, Aideen O’Halloran, Leah O’Reilly, Eve O’Mahoney, Leah Quinn and Meadow Slattery.