Folk Group call for musicians, amid retirements

Folk group singing at 150th anniversary of Kilcullen church in 1922.

Kilcullen Folk Group looks forward to getting back together after a break for the summer, writes Esther Reddy. The Folk Group sings at mass on the first Saturday evening of each month and meets for 30 to 40 minutes before mass to practise. Membership of Kilcullen Folk Group is always open and will welcome anyone who would be interested in being involved. Currently, there are over 20 people in the group, including some children who attend with their parents. However, Kilcullen Folk Group needs to recruit musicians. 

In June, the musicians of the group, Caroline McGlinchey and Carmel O'Connor, quietly retired after many years of dedicated service to the group. Caroline joined the group as guitarist (and at times tin whistle player) over 20 years ago when her own children were young and the group was known as the Family Mass Group. Carmel O'Connor has been involved with Kilcullen Folk Group and Kilcullen Family Mass group for many, many years, but her dedication to music ministry goes back further than that, and she modestly admits that she has been a part of music ministry for 50 years. 

Carmel was a pioneering member of a group which first brought Folk Group music and singing to Kilcullen Church. As a teenager, Carmel learned to play guitar so she could help accompany the group. Little did she think that she would still be playing for Kilcullen Folk Group in 2026! Kilcullen Folk Group thanks Carmel and Caroline for sharing their talent, direction, dedication, and good humour at so many masses and special occasions over that time. 

The contribution of the Folk Group to mass has always been appreciated by congregations, and Caroline and Carmel's skills have been a vital part of that contribution. The group appeals to any musicians who would be willing to come on board - musicians of all instruments would be very welcome. Please contact Carmel at 087 2439272

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