FRIENDSHIPS new and old were made and renewed during Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir’s hugely successful Ireland tour.

During the long weekend in May 2026, the choir staged at two concerts - at Drogheda and Clontarf. The choristers were led by Musical Director Juliet Rossiter and Accompanist Rev’d William Lambert.

At St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda, the choir was hosted by the Tredagh Singers who last year came to Pembrokeshire for a joint concert at Tenby with the Pembroke choir. The connection with Tredagh Singers, who were supported by a fine orchestra, came from an earlier meeting at a bowls competition in Ireland between Pembroke baritone Ed Morris and a Tredagh choir member.

The Welsh visitors contributed memorably to a feast of music alongside the host choir and the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Choir, earning a standing ovation from the packed audience of over 300 people. Introduced by choir MC Matthew John, their repertoire included ‘Les Misérables’ favourites and ‘World in Union’, plus joint items with Tredagh.

At St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Clontarf, choir members were greeted by an old friend, renowned singer Bryan Hoey - a long standing vice president of the choir - who helped arrange the concert. They were also welcomed by the parish priest, Fr Larry White.

The choir’s programme of 14 items was warmly received. These included a first for the choir, the Irish folk ballad ‘Fields of Athenry’, also ‘Working Man’ with the solo parts here taken by accompanist William. It also saw the long awaited debut of the ‘Cheeky Boys’, nine choristers who performed ‘Tell My Father’ and ‘The Wonder of you’, to long applause.

Gifts from the visitors were presented at both concerts - of a choir plaque and a traditional Welsh love spoon. Musical Director Juliet presented these to Vincent Moore, chairman of the Tredagh Singers, while Father White received the plaque from choir chairman David Halsted. The love spoon was presented by Geraint Morgan - who co-ordinated the tour arrangements - to Bryan Hoey in recognition of his help and musical fellowship. Bryan also met chorister Martin Harries whose late father, Frank, was the choir’s senior member and a long time contact and friend.

There was a further surprise for Bryan - the choir leading the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ to mark a special milestone.

Following choir tradition MC Matthew John invited audience members to join up for ‘American Trilogy’ and this was taken up by Bryan Hoey and three others including coach driver and tour guide Jim Shannon - an ‘honorary Welshman’ by the end of the tour!

And the choir acknowledged a very generous donation made on the church’s behalf by Fr White.

The choir was in good voice at the Guinness Storehouse, staging an impromptu mini concert at the entrance, and a visit was also made to Johnstown Castle near Wexford before the return ferry sailing.

Geraint Morgan and Ed Morris earned the appreciation of everyone on the tour for the excellent arrangements they made.