It was a very moving occasion. On Sunday 16th May 2010 the Boxers Choir sang their last mass in St. Nicholas of Myra. The choir was unique. It was the only choir in the world made up of ex-boxers. Alas, time has caught up with them. The spirit is willing but the bodies need a little more rest these days. They deserve a gentler pace of life—they’ve well and truly earned it. We will genuinely miss them here in St. Nicholas of Myra. They have been a part of our parish since 1983. Tom Bruce, who has been conductor for the last twelve years, took the baton for the last performance. His predecessor, Shea Keogh was one of the founding members of the choir.

There were eighteen members of the choir in its hay-day. In recent times that number was reduced to eight. Saturday was their rehearsal day, when they took over the front room of the presbytery. Even in the most inclement of weather they turned up. Their stout voices carried up through the presbytery right to the top floor.

Christmas was a very special time for the choir, as was the annual Mass of Remembrance for deceased members of the choir. They did break with tradition on one or two occasions by allowing ladies to join them for one or two masses.

We are so grateful to the members of the choir, for all the joy they brought us and for their example. Many people as they get older, give up on life, or assume that they are “past it”. The “Boxers Choir” showed us that age is no barrier to living life as fully as you want to.

They have now done what every good performer should do, retire gracefully when you’re at your best.

 

 

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