Huge crowd at emotional Fr Liam tribute concert
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Music, memories and community spirit combined in St Mary’s Church in Edenderry, on Sunday night as more than 800 people gathered for an emotional concert celebrating the music and ministry of Fr Liam Lawton.
The sold-out appreciation concert, which also served as a fundraiser for refurbishment works at St Mary’s Church, brought together artists, musicians, parishioners and friends in what was described as "a celebration of the songs, and of the man behind them."
Sunday night’s concert carried added significance following Fr Liam Lawton’s life-changing diagnosis last year with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare neurological disorder affecting balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing.And those who came to Offaly to perform in his honour at last weekend's concert included one of Ireland's biggest music stars, Daniel O'Donnell.
Fr Liam is regarded as one of Ireland’s most beloved sacred musicians, a Catholic priest whose compositions have found their way into churches, cathedrals and homes across the world.
Ordained in 1984, his gift for melody and deep Celtic spirituality helped create music that has resonated with congregations internationally for decades.His breakthrough album, The Cloud's Veil, released in 1999, established him as a major voice in liturgical music, while recordings including Another World, In the Quiet, Lumina and Voices of Angels continued to build his international reputation.
Those in attendance last weekend were keen to show their support and appreciation for the local priest.
Fr Liam Lawton’s music has become part of countless church ceremonies and liturgical celebrations. Edenderry parish priest Fr Greg Corcoran acted as MC for the evening.
The concert featured a number of performers closely associated with Fr Liam and his music over many years. Among the highlights of the evening were performances by Daniel O'Donnell, a talented choir from Carlow, Fr Liam's brothers, and Dublin native soprano, singer and choir director Hannah Evans.
Ms Evans had previously helped organise a Fr Liam Lawton appreciation concert held earlier this year in Maynooth, which similarly brought together many musicians and singers associated with the Edenderry priest and composer.
The performances of Fr Lawton’s much-loved compositions created a wonderful atmosphere throughout the evening, while spectacular lighting transformed the church into a beautiful setting for what proved to be a remarkable night for both the parish and the wider Edenderry community.
The evening was filled with joy, music, reflection, faith and celebration, and will surely remain a talking point for many months to come.
The night finished with a moving performance of "In the Quiet" by Fr Liam's brother, Tom Lawton, which many described as one of the most emotional moments of the night.
Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to performances of some of Fr Liam’s best-known liturgical and inspirational works, music rooted in ancient Celtic prayer and the Irish musical tradition, yet embraced by audiences far beyond Ireland.
As well as celebrating Fr Liam’s musical legacy, organisers said the concert would support ongoing refurbishment works at St Mary’s Church. Congratulations and thanks were extended to everyone who helped organise and participate in such a memorable occasion.