Choirs release CD to help elderly

TWO choirs have released a Christmas CD to raise money for an elderly support group.

It is the second time the choirs, who perform every weekend at Masses at Christ Our Light church in Ballincollig, Co Cork, have combined to raise funds for their local Westgate Foundation.

Almost seven years ago they released their first CD to support the then-fledgling foundation raise funds when it was planning to build its multi-million euro sheltered housing project in the heart of Ballincollig.

Now the choirs are hoping their CD will support the foundation further in its effort to expand the vast range of social services it provides for senior citizens across the mid-Cork region.

The Le Chéile CD features 20 tracks of reflective spiritual music and readings.

The members of both junior and senior folk choirs roped in the support of sports stars like hurler John Gardiner, footballer John Miskella and Olympian Gillian O’Sullivan, as well as Limerick hurling stars Donal O’Grady and Jason Stokes, to perform.

Choral director Mary Finn described the project as a real group effort. “The choir members were involved in everything from fundraising for studio time, to organising the recording time, to designing the CD cover and promoting the launch,” she said.

The CD will be on sale, priced €15, in selected shops in the town, and after all Masses over the coming weeks, with all proceeds going to the Westgate Foundation.