The Gazette 1996

FR. MARTIN CLARKE, Director of the Catholic Youth Council in Dublin and solicitor, was the chief celebrant of a Christmas Day Mass which was broadcast from All Hallows College in Dublin to a potential television audience of 2.33 billion people! The Mass was broadcast to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North and South America and EWTN in Birmingham, Alabama and Celtic Vision in Boston brought the Mass to 90% of the Roman Catholic population of the world or 864 million potential viewers. France, Switzerland and Belgium received the Christmas Day Mass via Eurovision but 166 other countries received it via cable networks on the Intersat and Galaxy satellites. Music for the Mass was provided by one of Ireland's leading choral groups, Our Lady's Choral Society, which this year celebrates its Golden Jubilee. Our Lady's Choral Society

rehearses each week at Blackhall Place. The choir was conducted by Pronnsias O Duinn. Soloists included Lynda Lee (soprano), Deirdre Masterson (mezzo-soprano), Deirdre Cooling-Nolan (alto), Emmanuel Lawler (tenor) and Philip O Reilly (bass). A traditional Irish music group, Ceoltoiri Chaoimhin, joined the National Sinfonia Orchestra in leading the singing of well- known Christmas carols.

The Mass was attended by Ms. Nora Owen, Minister for Justice.

Martin Clarke served his apprenticeship in Overend, McCarron & Gibbons and qualified as a solicitor in 1970. He joined Eugene F. Collins where he practised until 1976 when he left for Clonliffe College to train for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1980.

Fr. Martin Clarke,

Solicitor

Our I adv's Choral Society in All Hallows College Chapel with Conductor Proinnsias O Duinn (centre foreground) and Choir Director Fr. Pat O'Donoghue (right foreground).