19.01.2026
Trinity College Dublin Chapel Choir Visit Limerick
The Choir of Trinity College, Dublin headed west at the weekend (January 16–18) as they visited Limerick on their annual Irish choir tour. Under the direction of Choir Conductor Callum Byrne and with Organ Scholar Mickey Thomas, they sang in both of Limerick’s Cathedrals.
On Saturday evening the choir sang at the Vigil Mass at St John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. During the distribution of communion they sang Peter Warlock’s Epiphany–tide anthem, ‘Bethlehem Down’.
The next day, on Sunday, they joined with the cathedral choir of St Mary’s Church of Ireland Cathedral to sing at the Choral Eucharist. It was a particular delight to renew acquaintances with the Organist of St Mary’s, Peter Barley, who previously served as Organist of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.
The Eucharist was celebrated by the Dean, the Very Revd Niall Sloane, and the Preacher was the Dean of Residence of Trinity College Dublin, the Revd Canon Paul Arbuthnot.
The choir were very grateful for the warm welcome from the Curate of the Limerick Cathedral Group, the Revd Scott Elliott, who was most helpful and kind in all his actions.
After the service, ample hospitality was provided by the cathedral for the choir as they set off on their journey home.
Canon Arbuthnot commented: “It was a pleasure and an honour to visit both of Limerick’s cathedrals over the course of the weekend. Our visit to the Roman Catholic cathedral reflects the ecumenical nature of the Trinity College chaplaincy. As ever, our Chapel Choir were a credit to Trinity College Dublin, the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough, and the wider Church of Ireland. Particular thanks are due to Dean Sloane and the Curate, the Revd Scott Elliott, who provided us with a warm welcome, much kindness, a great liturgy, and a fine lunch”.