Julianne Hennelly stars at special Mayo remembrance concert

One of Mayo’s most talented singers and songwriters, Julianne Hennelly, will be showcasing her wide vocal range at a concert, in collaboration with Mayo Concert Orchestra, in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, on Sunday, November 8, at 4 p.m.

Billed as ‘an evening to remember All Souls’, she is looking forward to sharing songs and stories she loves; originals, golden oldies and gospel.

A daughter of Robert and Ina Hennelly, and sister of Mayo goalkeeper Rob, Keelogues, Castlebar, she is highly regarded for her ceremonial singing at local weddings and funerals.

“I hope to gather as many friends and family as possible as well as people I have met through my work to make the concert a really special remembrance,” she said.

Julianne has selected 16 pieces for the programme, four of which are her own compositions, namely Child of the Light, Field of Dreams, Walled Garden, Flower Girlfriend and her song for peace, Droppin’ Bombs.

She is particularly proud of Child of the Light, written in honour of her niece, Bo, and performed at her baptism as a blessing to innocence.

Walled Garden, interestingly, was inspired by the organic gardens of Enniscoe House in Castlehill, Crossmolina, who asked her to write the song for their 30th anniversary and celebrated with an intimate performance and garden party last summer.

Julianne selected other songs in tribute to some of her favourite artists, including Dolly Parton (Coat of Many Colours), Dolores O’Riordan (Dreams), Jimmy McCarthy (Bright Blue Rose), Jim Reeves (Precious Memories) and legendary Claremorris-born ballad singer Delia Murphy (If I Were A Blackbird).

“It was very difficult to make my final choices because there are so many songs and artists I love and admire. But I think the audience will very much enjoy the selection.

“It is my first experience performing with Mayo Concert Orchestra and the musical director, Kathy Fahey, has made the transition very comfortable and enjoyable for me,” she stated.

Julianne included a number of ceremonial songs in her selection, most notably Sé An Tiarna M’Aaoire (The Lord is My Shepard), La Nova (Wedding Song) and Schubert’s Ave Maria.

The concert is also a celebration of her own life invested in music, a passion first piqued by performing the Snow White musical at Breaffy National School.

It was always her dream to turn her soprano voice into a professional career and she took the step a number of years ago when leaving her employment at Baxter, now Vantive, in Castlebar.

She found it a very liberating decision and one celebrated in her song, Réimse Áisling (Field of Dreams).

As a result, she played Whelan's, one of Dublin's most iconic music venue, and now has regular gigs in the capital, most notably at the International Bar on Wicklow Street and the Workman’s Club at Woodquay.

She is a frequent visitor to Limerick, where she began Social Harmonies in 2020, a music and mental health initiative to connect people through music.

Julianne has also been involved as Ireland’s representative in the United Song Project, created and produced by US-based musician Eric Helzer.

However, she remains very much part of the Mayo music scene and it’s wonderful to have such an outstanding performer on our doorsteps.

Tickets for the November 8 concert are on sale at Eventbrite at €25, which includes booking fee, while children under 12 are free.