Senior Government Minister to sing at Mayo’s Historic Ballintubber Abbey

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton will swap the Dáil chamber for the stage this Sunday, 25 October, when she performs at Ballintubber Abbey in Mayo as part of a special fundraising concert.

Naughton, who has been Minister for Education and Youth since 2025 and a Fine Gael TD for Galway West for the last decade, is a classically trained soprano and primary schoolteacher.

A long-time fan of musical theatre, her talent was recognised as she has even won a coveted Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) award for her portrayal of Eliza Doolittle.

She will perform with Bel Canto, a group of four friends who have sung together for many years. The ensemble features Galway sopranos Delia Boyce, Hildegarde Naughton and Sandra Schalks, with Musical Director Mairéad Berrill.

They perform trios, duets, timeless classics, folk and popular songs, and much-loved arias. Bel Canto have recently performed for members of the EU Alliance in Galway, at the Something in the Water Arts Festival in Headford, and for European Education Ministers at Dublin Castle.

“Singing is a bit like golf for me,” Minister Naughton told The Mayo News.

“It’s a chance to switch off, unwind and take some time out from a busy job. We have great fun together, and it’s lovely to be able to share our love of music with others.”

Bel Canto will be joined by the ‘Sing On’ Ladies Choir, a vibrant community choir from Headford Music Works that regularly supports charities and community organisations through its performances.

A String Ensemble featuring members of Headford Music Works will add another musical dimension, while the Ballintubber Abbey Choir, whose music has long been part of the Abbey’s worship and celebrations, will bring a special local connection to the evening.

The 810-year-old Abbey, with its ancient stone walls and remarkable natural acoustics, promises an atmospheric setting for an evening of voices, harmonies and strings.

Minister Naughton told The Mayo News that “our upcoming concert at the beautiful Ballintubber Abbey makes it all the more special. We’ll be joining with other wonderful local musical groups for what promises to be a fantastic evening of music. It’s very rewarding to be able to do something we love while also giving back to our local communities.”

All proceeds will go directly to the Ballintubber Abbey Preservation Fund, supporting the ongoing conservation of the historic Abbey for generations to come.

Details: Sunday, 25th October 2026. Doors 6:30pm, concert 7:00pm. Tickets €15 per person.