“This year’s Gala is our love letter to Cork at Christmas, a magical mix of music, tradition, and community spirit. Each year, it’s an honour to celebrate our incredible beneficiaries through a brief film feature in the programme, offering the audience a glimpse into the inspiring work they do in our community." Yvonne Coughlan 2025
2025
Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert
The Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert is Back!
The 2025 Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert, takes place on Saturday, 6th December. Mark your calendars now, this will be one festive night you won’t want to miss!
This year, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, is pulling out all the stops to turn the concert into a sensational evening of audience participation, as we sing along with the theme: A Very Cork Christmas.
Now a beloved highlight of Cork’s festive season, the Gala brings together choirs, soloists, and musicians from across the city in a magical celebration of music, unity, and joy, all in aid of local charities.
This year’s Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert promises an evening of world-class talent and festive celebration with MC Elmarie Tallon, well known to Cork’s 96fm listeners.
Audiences can look forward to breathtaking solo performances by soprano Majella Cullagh, the charismatic Lady Fi, acclaimed singer-songwriter Barry Tierney, and Signalman Aaron Kearney of the Irish Defence Forces.
The Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance will enchant with seasonal choreography, while Kevin Goble of Unity Irish Dance will bring his signature blend of humour and rhythm, sure to have the audience clapping along in delight.
Choral collaborations will fill the hall with Christmas warmth and that unique Cork flavour of music, featuring Cór Cois Abhann, directed by Ian Sexton, the Montfort Youth Choir, led by Robbie Pender, and the Cork Garda Male Voice Choir, led by Mathias Levy Valensi. Musical accompaniment throughout the evening will be provided by the Cork Concert Orchestra, under the baton of Brian Prendergast.
Proceeds from the Gala will go to three local charities making a difference in Cork communities: Cork Samaritans, Shine A Light, and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Cork branch).
The event is proudly presented by the Lord Mayor’s Gala Committee, under the artistic direction of Yvonne Coughlan supported by the RSVP (Red Sandstone Varied Productions) team, with volunteer support from The Wonderlab Make Up Academy and Comhairle na nÓg.
Ticket sales at Pro Musica in person and from the Everyman online via https://everymancork.com/events/lord-mayors-gala-christmas-concert
Lord Mayor's Gala Christmas Concert 2024 (Launch)
2024
Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert
The 2024 Gala was once again full of talented performers.
The Gala Concert has become a much-loved tradition in Cork’s festive calendar, bringing together choirs, soloists, and musicians from across the city for a magical evening of music, unity, and joy, all in support of local charities.
Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert 2024
📍 City Hall, Cork | 🗓 Sat. 7th December 2024 | ⏰ 8pm
Celebrating “A Traditional Multicultural Christmas” through music, dance, and storytelling, while raising funds for three Cork charities: Penny Dinners, Inclusive Dance Cork, and Balance Summer Camp.
Programme
Soloists & Featured Artists:
Mary Hegarty soprano stepping in at the last minute.
Stephanie Rainey new music & 100 Like Me
Lady Fi “Man with the Bag”
Kevin Walsh “In the Bleak Midwinter”
Junior Eurovision finalist Lottie O’Driscoll (as Gaeilge)
Storytelling & trad music: Pakie O’Callaghan, Aileen Collins, Catherine Frost
New composition: Eamon Keane -Christmas Lullaby
Orchestra & Choirs:
Cork Concert Orchestra (Conductor Brian Prendergast)
Choral Con Fusion (LGBTQ+ inclusive choir) (Keith Dwyer Greene)
City Hall Singers (Lorna Moore)
Montfort Youth Choir (Michelle Cooke)
Kylana Ukrainian Choir (Svetlana Deikun)
Dance: Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance (Sharon Manning)
Community Impact
Inclusive theme celebrating Cork’s diversity, songs performed in Irish, Spanish, and Ukrainian.
Short films highlighted the work of this year’s charities:
Penny Dinners: providing food and support without judgment.
Inclusive Dance Cork: training for inclusive dance methods.
Balance Summer Camp: creative youth programmes for children and young adults with special needs.
Launch performances from all three charities were an incredible hit.
Audience participation in a sing-along finale of “White Christmas.”
Production & Support
Director: Yvonne Coughlan (RSVP)
MC: Elmarie Tallon (96FM’s Art House) | Launch MC Yvonne Coughlan
Technical: Des Mahon Sound & Lighting
Production Team: RSVP with Lea Tietze (PA)
Council Liaisons: Valerie Keating & Nuala Stewart (Cork City Council)
Concert Committee: Chair Tadhg Keating, Treasurer Pat Murphy, with Seamus Hennessy, John Healy, John Higgins, John Ger O’Riordan, Ursula Ramsell
A sold-out evening of festive artistry and inclusivity, uniting choirs, soloists, dancers, storytellers, and musicians in a celebration of Cork’s cultural diversity. The concert closed with a powerful “Oh Holy Night” and a joyful community sing-along, capturing the true spirit of Christmas in its 62nd year.
PRESS LINKS:
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41503115.html
https://avondhupress.ie/2024-lord-mayors-gala-christmas-concert-launched/
2024 (Inset Mary Hegarty)
Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert Raises €24,000 for Charity Despite Last-Minute Singer Swap
The 62nd Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert at Cork City Hall was a resounding success, raising an incredible €24,000 for charity. The night was not without its challenges, as soprano Majella Cullagh lost her voice just hours before the event. However, in a remarkable display of community spirit, Cork’s own Mary Hegarty stepped in at the last minute, delivering a breathtaking performance that wowed the audience.
Under the artistic direction of Yvonne Coughlan and hosted by Lord Mayor Cllr. Dan Boyle, the concert featured a rich blend of music, spoken word, and dance. A captivating storytelling performance by Pakie O’Callaghan brought an Irish Christmas tale to life, while the Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance enchanted the audience with their elegant seasonal choreography.
Despite the unexpected twists, the concert proved once again that Cork’s artistic and charitable spirit shines brightest during the festive season.
Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert 2023
Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert 2023
📍 City Hall, Cork | 🗓 Sat. 2nd December 2023 | ⏰ 8pm
Celebrating Cork’s cultural vibrancy through music and dance, while raising funds for Music Generation Cork City, Féileacáin, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Programme
Soloists: Majella Cullagh (soprano), Karen Underwood (jazz), Christiana Underwood, Simon Morgen (baritone)
Orchestra & Choirs: Cork Concert Orchestra (Brian Prendergast), Montfort Youth Choir (Michelle Cooke), Douglas ICA Choir (Regina Gilley), Carrigaline Singers (Alan Carney), Kalyna Choir (Svetlana Deikun)
Dance: Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance (Sharon Manning)
Special Feature: Performance by Lord Mayor Cllr. Kieran McCarthy
Community Impact
Launch event featured Music Mash Up Mayfield (Music Generation) led by Ben Janning.
Short film by RSVP gave audiences insight into the work of the three beneficiary charities.
Supported by Cork’s Over 60s Club, with Paddy O’Brien and Mary Conway (age 92)
Production & Support
Director: Yvonne Coughlan (RSVP)
MC: Elmarie Tallon (96FM’s Art House) | Launch MC: Yvonne Coughlan
Technical: Des Mahon Sound & Lighting | CAVs multimedia (Thomas Morrisey)
Production team: RSVP with Carlotta Amedick (PA) and Michelle Plattes (Stage Manager)
Committee: Chair Tadhg Keating, with Seamus Hennessy, Pat Murphy, John Healy, John Higgins, John Ger O’Riordan, Ursula Ramsell
An evening of festive artistry and community spirit, closing with a powerful full-ensemble “O Holy Night” and Christmas Overture , a true heart-lifting start to the season.
Féileacáin (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland – SANDAI):
Féileacáin is a not for profit organisation that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy. The charity was formed by a group of bereaved parents to offer support to anyone affected by the death of a baby around the time of birth, and the organisation is now the national charity supporting families affected by perinatal loss. It is a volunteer led organisation and receives no funding from central government, relying instead on the support of our community and the families who avail of our services.
Music Generation Cork City (MGCC):
MGCC is a performance music education programme that works in partnership with community based musicians and music organisations to bring music education into the lives of children and young people across Cork City. Using the Community Education process, programmes are being made available in the places where children live, play, and go to school.
St. Vincent de Paul (SVP):
SVP turns concern into action and advocates for just social and economic policies. They provide a wide range of services for vulnerable people through local offices, shops, resource centres, housing, day care and holiday schemes amongst other things. They strive for an Ireland without poverty where everyone can meet their basic needs, access opportunities and live with dignity.
