Carol Service 2016 – Blackrock At It’s Finest

Our extended Blackrock Community – over 1150 students from 1st Year to 6th Year – gathered in our Sports Hall in preparation for Christmas. Our College Chaplain Mr Sean Goan reminded us that Christmas is about “presence” more than “presents” and urged all present to make time in their lives for their families, for each other, for themselves, for Jesus.
 
Our carol service is not a history lesson but a reminder that he is still with us, empowering us to be the best self I can be.

 
It was a tremendous occasion – there are so many to thank:
 
Our Spiritual Director Fr. O’Brolchain who presided
 
Libermann, Leman and Corless Choirs led by Mr. Grumley-Traynor and inspired by Ms. O’Connor
 
The orchestra conducted by Mr. Cavanagh
 
Our soloists Stephen Ryan, Harry Kearns, Niall Houlihan and Charlie Byrne (all 5th Year); Bill Madigan, Alan Francis and Chris Wong (all 6th Year)
 
Our readers Alex Concannon, Mark Nealon, Seanan O’Gorman, Ross McCann, Cian Reilly, Rory Geary, Harry Doherty and James Kelly (all 6th Year), Mr. Barrett, Ms. Kelleher, Mr. Rogan, Ms. Nolan, Mr. Herlihy
 
Our servers Rhys Macken, James Moriarty and Padraig O’Dea (all 6th Year) all of whom made an enormous contribution
 
I acknowledge the whole hearted support of the student body especially 6th Year. I also thank the deans and my colleagues in attendance.