Launch of ‘Le Chéile’ album in aid of annual pilgrimage
Monday was a special night at The Percy French Hotel in Strokestown as people from all over Roscommon came together for the launch of ‘Le Chéile’, a collection of music from people associated with the annual Lourdes pilgrimage.
The album was the brainchild of Rooskey musical director Andrew Reynolds and its stars have been busy promoting it lately, including an appearance on Shannonside FM!
Andrew spoke to me recently about the inspiration behind the album. “I’ve been travelling to Lourdes for the last eleven years and I’ve listened as those nurses, staff, pilgrims and even clergy members have stood up and performed their party pieces. I thought it was a great chance to capture it for those who are not out there and to raise funds in order to keep bringing people on the pilgrimage.”
Andrew enlisted the help of people such as Paul Gurney and Bridget Giblin who were instrumental in putting the album together.
“I’d like to thank Paul Gurney for his help and expertise. I thought the album came out very well. Also, Bridget Giblin, who was a great help with all the administrative work.
“We’ve all types of people associated with the pilgrimage, nurses, pilgrims, clergy, even a bishop! There are also those who don’t travel but provide great assistance at home. Plenty of great characters regularly go to Lourdes, and some of them feature on this album, people like Danny Burke, who is the master of all ceremonies on the pilgrimage!”
The album ‘Le Chéile’ is available now from all performers and from local Lourdes committee members. It will also be available at local retailers in the near future. A wonderful gift for a very worthy cause!
