The History of the Cloughmore Male Voice Choir
The Early Years
The Cloughmore Male Voice Choir began life on the 14th of January 1974 in the seaside town of Warrenpoint. Two music lovers, close friends and neighbours - Mr James Cooper, a Lancashire born man and the late Mr Desmond O'Hagan -exchanged ideas on that day then called a meeting of interested men in the boardroom of the Warrenpoint Town Hall - which took place on the 6th of February 1974. At this meeting Mr. John McCormack was appointed as the choirs' first chairman and it was he who suggested the title of Cloughmore Male Voice Choir, which was later adopted. In May of that same year the newly formed choir was awarded the 'Ferris Cup' at the Newry Feisanna (Festival) for the Uist Tramping Song. The Choir received a tremendous welcome at the Portadown Musical Feis (under somewhat difficult circumstances.) The next time they appeared in Portadown, a year later they won the cup.
On the 14th of November 1975 the Choir hosted it's first of many Celebrity Concerts in the Warrenpoint Town hall. The guest performers at this auspicious occasion were Frank Finnegan, Julie Gordon, The Amalga Troupe of Dancers, Lorraine Coleman, Marretta O'Hara (One of the famous Bunratty Castle Girls), Austin Gaffney, The Dun Eimer Singers, Margaret Nolan and Patrick Coyle. The evenings compare was Mick Mathers and the Choir ended with its famous rendition of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic".
In the midst of conflict in Northern Ireland these two friends had a vision of people of all classes, creeds and colour coming together to sing. Their vision of the unique blends of Male voices has echoed down a quarter of a century. Mr James Cooper one of the founder members still sings in the ranks of second tenor and justifiably feels very proud of the choir's sustained success since its' inception. Members are representative of all denominations and walks of life, from Rostrevor, Killowen, Warrenpoint, Newry and Dundalk coming together to make music.
The Choir adopted the "The Cloughmore/Clough Mor Stone" (Big Stone) into their name as it is a well known landmark in the Newry and Mourne area . Under it's shadow the men practiced each Wednesday evening for many years . The Stone is situated on top of Slieve Martin above the small village of Rostrevor.
Conductors and Accompanists
The Choir has been fortunate in its conductors through the years. Initially under the baton of the late Mr Kenny Cowan and in later years Mrs S. O' Dubhain, Mr. R. Adamson, Mr R. Smith and Mr P. O,Hanlon all of whom left their own stamp on this magnificent Male Voice Choir.
Now under the direction of their very talented and enthusiastic leader Mrs. Colette Hart-Lavery, B.Mus (Hons.Lond) P.G.C.Ed., whose name has been practically synonymous with that of the Choir for the past 20 years, the choir has gone from strength to strength.Their ever-faithful accompanist Mrs Aveen Tohill L.T.C.L. (now Retired) who was a guiding light with the choir for some considerable years, lent sympathetic accompaniment to the choir's performances.Like most organisations Cloughmore has in it's 30 years experienced difficult times. On one occasion competing with only 12 members a far cry the 42 man strong choir which represented the area in the Cork International Festival. Their musical director Mrs Colette Hart-Lavery, has taken the choir through these difficult times, competing in Musical Festivals and Competitions throughout Ireland where they have gained many trophies and awards, a tribute to her dedication and love of music.
The Cloughmore Male Voice Choir contribute annually to the local community with their "Charity Concert's" the proceeds of which are donated to local charities. They have sung with renowned personalities, Mr Austin Gaffney, Mr Frank Patterson, Mr Niall Murray, Mr William Laughlin, Ms. Eileen and Geraldene O'Grady to name but a few. The highlight of the choir's year is their Christmas Wassail. ("Wassail" being a salutation or toast given in goodwill.) In an effort to encapsulate the atmosphere the audience partakes of wine and Christmas fare and joins in the spirit of harmony and piece.
Reflections on 25 years of Singing CD
In 1995 the making of their first CD "Reflection on 25 Years" marked the 25th year of the Choir's formation.
The Choir is always interested in men that would like to join the choir and who love the camaraderie that singing and music brings.
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