School choirs prepare to make their stage debut

More than 100 secondary school students have began preparing for their national stage debut with the composer of Ireland’s first folk opera, which is set to be revived next month.

The school choirs from Selskar College and Loreto Secondary School in Wexford have joined up with the cast and musicians of The Children of Lir as they rehearse for performances of the Celtic opera.

Since it was first staged in January 1973, The Children of Lir, composed by Fermoy-born Brian O’Reilly and performed by his band Loudest Whisper, has entertained more than 25,000 people around the world.