In Reply to: Re: Mons Thomas Shannon RIP posted by Mary on August 15, 2008 at 12:29:03:

"For great is the holy One in the midst of Thee,

Oh Beautiful is Zion,

Oh Beautiful is Zion,

Beautiful is Zion,

The Lord of The Earth."

It was my favorite song from the Castlebar boys choir it was a difficult song with staggered entrances from the "Seconds" "Thirds" "Firsts" and "Basses" each group arriving on the same line at delayed intervals requiring lots of rehearsals. And one Sunday morning at last Mass after Christmas we got it right.

Everyone was attendant. Always in the bass section, the anchors! Jimmy O'Reilly and Tom McGreal, Thomas Murphy, and Seamas Chambers, leading the firsts, on the other side Michael Murphy, with all the Gavins, on the pipe organ Mr O’Connell and to his left, conducting Fr. Shannon. He glowed with our harmonious unison as we "CRIED OUT AND SHOUTED NOW IN HAPPINESS OF ZION IN THE MIDST OF THEE." Bro. Augustus asked that all those who wished to join the new Castlebar choir put their names on the piece of paper being passed around. The first audition was held at the re-built national school. I stood at the back of the crowd knees knocking,while your brother tempus warbled his do Re Me's like a lark. I croaked,but Fr. Tom gave me a second chance,and I cawed my so la tee doe's into the church choir. Attending all the rehearsals,Fr Tom was a serious man when it came to getting it right. I got it right finally, and was chuffed when he invited me to play in the first church folk group in Ireland. We strumed and sang to the tunes of "Gumbya", "Michael rowed the Boat ashore","Amazing Grace", "We shall Overcome",and all the while,musical director,The RT.HON.MONS.Thomas Shannon PP VF,presiding,if you did well, he lit you up with that signature smile and a compliment,payment in full!.Some people have it, he did.Like Mary said when he walked into their living room,faced a host of grieving people and dispelled their gloom instantly. We are all the more richer to have known him. Slan a Cara.

• And if I don't see you,I know he will keep you.