Lovely Laois anthem unleashed in new EP by Timahoe Male Choir

Hearts and voices soared together in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel for a full audience last weekend at the joyful launch of Timahoe Male Choir's first EP CD.

The choir are continuing their incredible path to fame with a recording of an upbeat version of Lovely Laois, penned by Abbeyleix man Christy Cullen. Watch the video here.

Four more crowdpleasing tracks include The Way I Am by the Tumbling Paddies, Homes of Donegal, Grace and Irish Medley.

Special Guest Mickey Joe Harte of Dancing With The Stars Ireland came along and sang 'We've Got The World Tonight' with the 61 strong choir, fulfilling a promise he made when he met them at Electric Picnic.

Stradbally Community Choir also gave a wonderful performance, making it a total of 150 performers on stage over the evening.

Proceeds of the CD are all in aid of the Cuisle Centre for free cancer support in Laois, and Timahoe National School to help get a new community walking track around their pitch.

Choir manager, singer Damien Bowe spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live after the launch night.

“It was a super night, we had a full house of all ages, some sitting, some dancing along. Some had never had the chance to see us performing before.

“We had met Mickey Joe at Electric Picnic, we sing some of his songs, he said he would come if we did an EP and he was true to his word.

“Afterward we had Tim Chambers singing and DJ Noel Brennan until 2am, it was a fantastic atmosphere,” he said.

The night was hosted by young up and coming media star Cathal O'Sullivan from Portlaoise, a Today FM producer.

The success of the choir is remarkable. It only formed in late 2023 with the intention of singing Christmas carols at Mass in Timahoe.

Invites quickly followed to events like Portlaoise St Patricks Day, the Embrace farm charity Remembrance ceremony, Timahoe heritage festival, then Electric Picnic the 2 Johnnies show on RTE, and next their trip to the USA to represent Laois.

Membership of the popular choir remains restricted to local men only from the Timahoe, Stradbally and Vicarstown areas, and includes anyone from elderly farmers living alone, to businessmen, tradesmen and even Parish Priest Fr David Vard.

They meet to rehearse on Monday evenings, alternating between the two pubs in Timahoe, the Tower Inn and Ramsbottoms.

“It is a massive social outlet, there's never a row. It really is great,” Damien said.

“You can see the confidence in them growing.

He never expected the level success they have found.

“If you planned to do this, it would never happen, it's been totally organic,” Damien said.

Next up is New York for St Patrick's Day, as choir manager Damien told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“Our next performance will be in Times Square, New York, and singing for the Irish American Historical Society,” he said.

The Lovely Laois EP is accompanied by a brilliant professional video, showcasing some of the stars of the county from history, music, arts, media and sporting fields.

It was film with drone footage of the lands singing in their familiar red shirts at the Rock of Dunamase and Timahoe Round Tower.

The CD is on sale at €15 in local outlets in Timahoe, Stradbally and Vicarstown.

It can be purchased at The Corner Shop, Timahoe, Simpson’s Shop, Stradbally, or by emailing timahoemalechoir@gmail.com. An online version is planned to follow.