With Guide On Her Side…

That familiar Roche laugh…

aving joined the Holy Rosary’s Aifreann as Gaeilge one year after it was formed by An Doctúir Maedhbh Ní Ghallchobhair in 1975, just this last weekend, Mrs Paddy Roche walked away from her role as choirmaster.

Having gotten off after 40 years for good behaviour.

The choir sing in Irish on the first Sunday of each month at the Holy Rosary Church, from September to May, and Paddy felt that hitting that 40-year mark was a good time to step back into the shadows.

Undoubtedly, she will be missed. Mainly for her hipflask of whiskey, but also for her voice, her leadership, and her infectious sense of fun.

We caught up with the town’s gospel queen at the Holy Rosary to talk high notes, Gaeilge grooviness, and why Paddy has now become a Santa worshipper…