Cathedral Choirs

The Adult Choir

Mullingar has a proud heritage of Church music, and the Cathedral Choir has been adorning the liturgy in the cathedral for as long as we can remember. They sing on most Sundays between September and June, and also on major feast days, and through Holy Week. From September to January they sing at the 11am Sunday mass, and from February to June they sing for the 12.30pm mass. In recent years they have sung in numerous other cathedrals around Ireland, including Killarney, Cobh, Sligo, Galway and Letterkenny. There are also foreign trips every few years: in 2023 they travelled to Romania and sang in the cathedral of Iasi. In 2023 they also won the inaugural competition for Church music at the Navan choral festival.

The choir draw on numerous music traditions each Sunday: our native Irish tradition, traditional hymns, and Latin motets and chant. Emphasis is placed on Irish composers, with English or Irish texts, and in particular on living composers associated with Mullingar. The age profile is mixed, with numerous choir members coming from St Finian’s College where they received instruction in church music, continuing a tradition of collaboration between the cathedral and the college. The current cathedral organist and choir director is William Woods. 

Cathedral Choirs

Cathedral Choristers

The Cathedral Choristers have been established for 110 years, enhancing the spirituality and beauty of the weekly and special liturgies. The current choristers (boys 9 years and older) sing on Sundays, from September to June, and they participate in the celebration of major feast days.

The musical education of a chorister is distinctive, combining discipline and practice with artistic expression and collaboration. Expert vocal training and musicality is offered as well as experience of different languages and sacred music from a variety of times and traditions.

Choristers have opportunities to participate in special occasions, such as the 2018 ‘World Meeting of Families’ in Dublin, where they performed for Pope Francis. They recently sang for the Papal Nuncio at the Basilica of Our Lady of Knock. They collaborate with contemporary composers, musical directors and other choirs, adult and youth, from around the country. A Cathedral Singer’s Diocesan Bursary is awarded annually.

The joy of choral singing stays for a lifetime with many boys progressing to youth and adult choirs. The focus, discipline and cooperation, fundamental skills in a choir, are transferable capabilities that enhance and enrich any life course.

Cathedral Girls’ Choir

A girls’ chorister group was established in May 2024 drawing its membership from those in local schools in the age range of 12-18 years.

This is an exciting development for sacred music performance in the Cathedral. The choir creates opportunities for vocal training and musicality that has long been an exclusive sphere of artistic expression for boys. The girls’ choir begins its journey singing once per month at the Saturday evening Vigil Mass (6pm).

Girls’ choirs have been established in cathedrals and churches throughout Ireland and the UK in recent decades. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, added girl choristers in 2016 while St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Choir, Dublin, was established in 2009 to provide girls with similar vocal and musical opportunities as the boys enjoy.

It is timely and appropriate that a community with such a vibrant and rich musical life as Mullingar now offers a female chorister sacred music experience with all its attendant skills and experiences. Discipline and commitment, listening skills, collaboration, cultural awareness, emotional expression and confidence are proficiencies that emerge from choral training and performance. A Cathedral Singer’s Diocesan Bursary is awarded annually.

The Folk Choir

St. Paul’s Folk Group was formed 25 years ago in St. Paul’s Church. There is a long history of folk groups in our parish dating back in the mid 1970s. Indeed, some members are still involved in today’s group since then. The folk choir sing every month at the 6pm vigil mass on Saturdays in the Cathedral and in St. Paul’s Church on Christmas Eve. The choir has 10 members including singers, guitarists, a mandolin player, a harmonica player, and a percussionist. The music is contemporary church and folk music and is chosen carefully to suit the sacrality of the mass. St. Paul’s Folk Group like to maintain an active social life and they often gather to sing together. Through their music they try to bring joy to our parish congregation and to seek God in all they do.

Mullingar Gospel Choir

Mullingar Gospel Choir meets weekly on Tuesday evenings under the direction of Claire Gilmartin, bringing together singers of all levels in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. With a diverse repertoire spanning sacred music and contemporary choral works, the choir enhances Mass services with their uplifting performances, enriching the spiritual experience of the congregation.

Beyond their contributions to the church, the choir is actively involved in the local community, singing at charity events and on stage at the Mullingar Arts Centre. These performances not only showcase their passion for music but also help raise funds and awareness for important causes.

Under Claire’s leadership, the choir has grown into a vibrant group that values both connection through music, and community contribution and involvement.