St Mel's Musical Society Longford bids emotional farewell to dedicated volunteer Maureen Flaherty
For over five decades St Mel's MS has supported local people of all ages and abilities to express their love of performance
It was an emotional weekend for St Mel's Musical Society as the group held a get together to mark the contribution of volunteer Maureen Flaherty who is leaving Longford.
The Longford based musical society has grown immeasurably since its' revival in 1978 thanks to the hard work and dedication of people like Maureen.
Shows like South Pacific, Me and My Girl, Annie, Billy Liar, The Adams Family, 9 to 5, Footloose, Legally Blonde and All Shook Up have entertained thousands in the last 44 years.
The success of St Mel's Musical Society is down to volunteers, and the group took to Facebook to thank Maureen for her contribution: “On behalf of St Mel's Musical Society, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maureen Flaherty, a cherished and longstanding member of our society.
“Over the past 25 years, Maureen has been a pillar of dedication, holding numerous roles on committee, behind the scenes, and contributing tirelessly to our success,” they said in the post.
St Mel's MS acknowledged her role over the last two and a half decades: “Alongside her late husband Mick, Maureen’s commitment has been instrumental in helping St Mel’s grow and thrive, creating countless memories and moments of joy.
“As Maureen embarks on her next chapter, we want to acknowledge the immense impact she has had on each of us and wish her the very best for the future. Maureen, thank you for everything. Always appreciated and loved,” it concluded.
In the last five decades St Mel's MS has supported and encouraged local people of all ages and abilities to express their love of creativity and performance, whether onstage, off stage, behind the scenes or committee members.
Early next year they returning to a traditional show with the decision to stage ‘Me and My Girl’ in April 2025.
Featuring such famous songs as ‘Leaning on a Lamp-post’, ‘The Sun Has Got His Hat On’, ‘The Lambeth Walk’ and the show title tune ‘Me and My Girl’, the Longford group will be working with the vastly experienced Galway-based Director Peter Kennedy for the first time.