Last weekend saw a gathering of family, friends and former pupils of the MacCafferty School of Music for a musical feast and a day to remember in the Everglades Hotel to celebrate Una O’Somachain’s 80th birthday. She is renowned and loved for her work at the school that has provided singing lessons for the people of Derry for over sixty years, incidentally, started by her late father, James MacCafferty in the late fifties when he taught singing, piano and musical theory to young and old alike. Since his demise in the mid-nineties the school has carried on under the guidance of Una in whose capable hands it has grown from strength-to-strength. The lady herself was surprised and shocked to say the least. "I was gobsmacked when I walked through the doors! I never expected anything like this and to see so many past pupils, some I haven’t seen for years, was an absolute pleasure. I extend a massive thank you to all who organised, attended and indeed, sang on Saturday." (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

placeholder image — Last weekend saw a gathering of family, friends and former pupils of the MacCafferty School of Music for a musical feast and a day to remember in the Everglades Hotel to celebrate Una O’Somachain’s 80th birthday. She is renowned and loved for her work at the school that has provided singing lessons for the people of Derry for over sixty years, incidentally, started by her late father, James MacCafferty in the late fifties when he taught singing, piano and musical theory to young and old alike. Since his demise in the mid-nineties the school has carried on under the guidance of Una in whose capable hands it has grown from strength-to-strength. The lady herself was surprised and shocked to say the least. "I was gobsmacked when I walked through the doors! I never expected anything like this and to see so many past pupils, some I haven’t seen for years, was an absolute pleasure. I extend a massive thank you to all who organised, attended and indeed, sang on Saturday." (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

IN PICTURES: Una O’Somachain’s 80th Birthday surprise celebrations

Published 24th Sep 2023, 11:33 GMT

Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

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The birthday girl Una pictured at Saturday's event in the Everglades Hotel with, at back, Denise O'Kane and Fidelma McCormick. Sitting, front from left, Noreen Doherty, Norah Doherty, Catriona Quigley, Grainne Rice, Roisin Rice, Patricia McLaughlin, Collette McMonagle, Nuala McDaid.

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Una is congratulated by one of her former pupils, Margaret Ross.

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Una pictured with Isabel McDowell, Ann Marie Hickey, Brenda O’Somachain, Kate O’Somachain and Caroline Millar.

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Una and granddaughter Kate O’Somachain pictured on Saturday at the Everglades Hotel.

Derry Feis Dhoire Cholmcille

IN PICTURES: Una O’Somachain’s 80th Birthday surprise celebrations

Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

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