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Clonard appoints first Director of Music

Cathal Murphy, the new Director of Muisic at Clonard. Picture By Hugh Russell.
Cathal Murphy, the new Director of Muisic at Clonard. Picture By Hugh Russell. Cathal Murphy, the new Director of Muisic at Clonard. Picture By Hugh Russell.

A CO Down teacher is to become Clonard Monastery's first Director of Music.

Cathal Murphy, will officially take up his new position at the west Belfast monastery on Sunday when he will direct the Clonard choir for the first time at 11am Mass.

Currently the Head of Music at St Mary's High School in Downpatrick, the 34-year-old father-of-one will have overall responsibility for resourcing the various musical groups at Clonard.

In addition to developing music at the service of the liturgy, he will also be responsible for co-ordinating musical events at Clonard, which has already been used as a spectacular location for the performance of cultural and musical events.

Speaking last night, Newry-born Mr Murphy, who lives in Warrenpoint, said he was "delighted" to be taking on the new role.

"It's like the New Year, you approach it with apprehension and excitement at the same time," he said.

"All I would hope to do is ensure that the sound matches the ministry and the beauty of the building. Everyone knows that the Redemptorists are well known for their spoken word and it's trying to match that musically as well".

Mr Murphy encouraged anyone interested in joining the choir at Clonard to attend open rehearsals being held every Wednesday at 7.30pm during January.

The new Director of Music said he wanted to bring "the music and the people to Clonard so that it is a centre where people can come to be spiritually uplifted".

Fr Noel Kehoe, Rector of Clonard, said music "unites people and creates a strong sense of community".

"Clonard Monastery has always understood the importance of music in the lives of people, especially in the liturgy and devotions," he said.

"Its famous fully mechanical pipe organ, played by so many gifted organists, has created a great sense of occasion for the people of Clonard and Belfast".

Fr Kehoe said there is a "firm conviction that there is a place for everyone to participate in the liturgy".

"When everything is left to the priest to do, our liturgies became mundane and predictable, reduced to the bare essentials. Good music, appreciated through listening or by congregational singing are two ways to actively participate in liturgy.

"In the long tradition of music in Clonard, each generation makes its own contribution and impact. Change can be daunting but it is also exciting and I wish this very talented young man God's abundant blessings in his new ministry to God's people".