Thursday 1st October,
Everyone was full of excitement when we left the D J Thomas coach depot in Baglan for the journey to Fishguard Harbour. A very pleasant journey down.
Did anyone cause problems at the Customs Terminal? Oh yes! By changing buses! The officials spotted the discrepancy and 2 members were removed from Bus 1 to Bus 2 – Honestly!
We arrived early evening at the lovely Hotel Kilkenny. An enjoyable social and buffet first evening. A long day! Goodnight! ‘OÃche mhaith’
Friday 2nd October,
An early hearty breakfast for most! and off to Birr for a lunchtime concert. Did anyone miss the coach and have to travel by taxi? Oh yes!
Arrangements were wonderful in St. Brendan’s Church with a practice session and hall area for changing. The Gwalia Singers were indeed delighted to be part of the Birr Music Festival as fellow Celts and, importantly, the friendship connection with long-term chorister John Davies.
Deputy Accompanist, Gareth Widlake compered the event, and we gave a rousing rendition of ‘Let All Men Sing’ to start their first half programme,followed by popular ‘Calon Lân’ and ‘Y Darlun’. The Choir were truly on form, acoustics were great, the church was full and the audience showed their appreciation.
Gareth Widlake then introduced the Choir’s history, acclaimed the accompanist – Rhian Liles, and our amazing Musical Director – Matthew Sims.
The Gwalia Singers followed on with the poignant ’Y Tangnefeddwyr’, ‘Will Ye Go Lassie Go’ to the beautiful viola accompaniment by Gareth Widlake, and ‘What would I Do Without My Music’.
Talented soloist Dan Davies then performed 2 music theatre solos ‘Til I Hear You Sing’ and ‘Bring Him Home’. The response was immense! He received the well-deserved rousing applause and standing ovation!
The second half programme was the mighty ‘There Is A Land’, then ’Danny Boy’ and ‘Can It Be’, ‘You Are So Beautiful’ and the Choir’s firm favourite ‘Rhys’ arranged by Deputy Music Director, Nick Rogers. For an encore we sang ‘Fix You’. The response again was truly incredible-lots of tears, praise and admiration!
Huge thanks were given to the Gwalia Singers by the Vicar. Well done all! Dan Davies, Gareth Widlake, and the mighty duo of Rhian Liles and Matthew Sims.
Special thanks from all of the choir members and their partners to all who prepared soups and sandwiches following the Concert and, in spite of the inclement weather, we all managed to get to Kelly’s Bar and enjoy a tipple before heading back to the Hotel. A quick turn-around, an evening meal and great entertainment in a local pub and Hotel until the early hours! Goodnight! ‘OÃche mhaith’.
Saturday 3rd October,
We had a leisurely morning, delightful weather, and a lunchtime rehearsal in the Cathedral in Kilkenny followed by a leisurely afternoon in the sun.
The evening’s concert took place in the spectacular 
St.Mary’s Cathedral, which was packed. We were joined for the concert by the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir. They were formed in 1984 and their mission is the promotion and performance of choral music & continual improvement and development.Â
After a warm welcome and initial introductions the Gwalia Singers sang 5 favourites – ‘Let all Men Sing’, ‘Calon Lan’, ‘Fix You‘, Y Darlun’, and ‘Rhys’. The acoustics were amazing and performances superb.Â
Dan Davies then sung a solo presentation of ‘This Is The Moment’ a truly incredible performance and he received a huge round of applause and a standing ovation.
Castlecomer Male Voice Choir sang some beautiful songs from their repertoire; ‘The Last Rose of Summer’, ‘ Speed Your Journey’, ‘Briar & Rose’ and the much loved ‘Its A Working Man I Am’. This number was thoroughly enjoyed and highly applauded by all, especially the Welsh contingent who sing this as part of their afterglow repertoire
After a short interval the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir returned to the stage to sing ‘Anthem’, ‘Yellow’, ‘Bring him Home’ and ‘Soldier’s Chorus’
Dan performed his second song of the evening with a special delivery of music theatre ‘Til I Hear You Sing’ and every audience member stood up to commend him and show their appreciation.
The Gwalia Singers then returned to the stage with a further selection of favourites; ‘There Is A Land’, ’Danny Boy’,’ And Can It Be’, ’Will Ye Go Lassie Go’, and ‘If We Only Have Love’ – all well received and applauded.
The Concert concluded with many thanks to all who organised the event, both Choirs, Dan – the soloist, Accompanists and Musical Directors for their incredible commitment and hard work. The Welsh and Irish Anthems were sung by the respective Choirs, a fitting finale to a truly wonderful evening in St.Mary’s Cathedral.
This concert raised €5,625.29 shared between the Dillon Quirke Foundation who work to raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre.
Both Choirs headed back to the Kilkenny Hotel for a buffet and ‘after-glow’ camaraderie. Relaxation kicked in and all participated in the singing and fun. Both choirs contributed songs to the occasion and the ’Deo’ and ‘Running Bear’ performances were superb! A very late evening for many, a celebration of 2 wonderful concerts and connection with Birr and Kilkenny Music! Thank you! ’Go raibh maith agat’.
Sunday 4th October.
Many tired individuals emerged eventually! A leisurely day for all including visits to some local landmarks. It was a ‘green’ day to celebrate Dai’s 71st birthday and Craig’s imminent 50th birthday with very special outfits for both of them.
A lovely day’s enjoyment,and pub gathering early evening in the Skeilp Inn. Birthday cake, singing and social until the early hours enjoyed by the locals and the choir. Goodnight! ’OÃche mhaith’
Monday 5th October.
An early start for travel and a welcome break in Waterford before the ferry journey home arriving back at 1:00am on Tuesday morning.
A wonderful trip with an amazing welcome in Ireland. We extend a huge thank you to all who organised the tour, and the incredible individuals Dan Davies, Gareth Widlake, Rhian Liles and Matthew Sims!
We would really love a return visit one day.
