A Midlands choir is fast establishing itself as one of the State's finest, even though the average age of the choristers is 11 years. The Camcor Singers were formed in Birr in 1993 by drama teacher Kevin Carroll from schools in north Tipperary and Offaly.
The choir, which has 58 members, contested the Community Games Choral Competition and won in 1995, 1996 and in 1997. It is seeking the title again this year.
In November 1996, Kevin heard that Donegal singer Daniel O'Donnell wanted a choir from each province to join him in the Point Theatre for his New Year concert.
The Camcor Singers auditioned and Kevin co-ordinated the four choirs for the Gospel concert and for a repeat performance in Millstreet, Co Cork.
Later, the choir provided backing on his four-track CD I Believe, which was released later that year.
The singers have accompanied him to Birmingham to perform in front of 12,000 fans and on December 19th will perform again with him in Wembley Stadium in London.
The Camcor Singers were highly praised at the Athlone Barber Shop competitions in Athlone last October.
The choir also won the under21 competition at Sligo Choral Fesival.
Last week, the choristers again teamed up with Daniel O'Donnell, this time in their own county, for the making of a video for his latest song, Give a Little Love, at Kinnity Castle and Birr Church. Daniel hopes to raise £2 million for the Romanian Orphans' Fund, his favourite charity.
"We are delighted to be involved in this because it is for a great charity and we enjoyed working with Daniel again," said Kevin.