Athlone A Cappella secures silver medal at major convention

Athlone A Cappella (AAC) returned home triumphantly to Athlone from the recent IABS (Irish Association of Barbershop Singers) convention in Killarney with a hard-earned silver medal!

AAC is a close harmony barbershop group made up of 48 members - A Cappella music is a performance by a singer or choir without instrumental accompaniment.

Athlone A Cappella had previously won gold in 2019 at IABS convention under the tutelage of David Farmer. AAC has been back together for about two years post Covid and is under the directorship of Hilary Roche, who was a former member of the Lead section.

Hilary is a music teacher in her own right, and it is thanks to her that AAC has made great progress in the last two years - building upon the groundwork established by David Farmer.

In the last few years, the IABS convention has been held in Killarney - before that it had been held in Cork, Waterford and Ennis. The competition attracts national Irish choirs and quartets as well as international choirs and quartets from such places as the UK, Sweden and The Netherlands.

AAC performed with a ballad from Moulin Rouge –“Come What May” and– “You Don’t Own Me” which was originally sung by Lesley Gore in 1963. There were many accomplished groups from across Ireland who performed on the day, but AAC was happy with the performance on stage and was delighted to be able to secure a silver medal! Not only was this the second year to achieve silver, but the group also managed to increase its overall score!

It was a hugely enjoyable and successful weekend for all those involved with Athlone A Cappella, and it was also a chance to meet with many others who share the same hobby.

Athlone A Cappella will next perform at Our Lady's Bower School Arts Week concert on October 22. AAC will also perform on November 30 in St Kieran’s Community Centre, at a fundraising Christmas Market for the Irish Wheelchair Association - there will be many other entertainers performing on the day.

The Annual Samaritans Christmas concert will take place on December 5 in Ss Peter’s and Paul’s Church.

There will also be an opportunity in late December to see AAC perform Christmas carols in Golden Island Shopping Centre for charity. AAC has also been invited to represent IABS at the European Barbershop Convention in Helsingborg in Sweden in May 2025.

At the moment AAC is seeking new singers - if you are interested in joining the AAC choir, practice takes place every Wednesday night in the Bower school in Athlone from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

AAC would be interested in taking on new members with an interest and aptitude for singing, so please contact athloneacappella@outlook.com or send a message directly on the Athlone A Cappella Facebook page.