Cork had its "virgin gay pride" parade earlier this year and now a newfound sense of confidence among the gay community is reflected in the establishment of the city's first gay choir.
It's is the brainchild of 23-year-old ESB worker Allan O'Sullivan from Cobh, Co Cork, who has been involved in various musical projects over the years. He had always hoped to set up a choir specifically for gays and lesbians, but his vision only became a reality this year.
Allan admits to being disappointed that the city was without a gay choir for its year as European Capital of Culture. He starting "sounding out" friends about establishing a choir similar to the Gloria group in Dublin, which has been up and running for the last 10 years.
Earlier this year he held a meeting in relation to the possibility of setting up a choir and was surprised when eight or nine people showed up.
"I thought it was going to be hard to get singers because people aren't always willing to perform in public. They don't want to be overly explicit when it comes to their sexuality in public. But I was pleasantly surprised when so many people turned up.
"Cork is a very different place than it was three years ago when I first came out. Three years ago there was a gay pride festival but no parade and it was very small. This year it was a massive cultural festival."
In just a matter of months the choir has managed to perform at a range of different and diverse events including University College Cork's Rainbow Week and the Pink Parade Picnic in the Park for Cork Pride 2006.
Musical material is quite diverse, ranging from "gay scene camp stuff" such as Judy Garland's Over the Rainbow to traditional hymns. Their signature song is Hail Holy Queen from Sister Act - which always get an enthusiastic response.
The choir rehearses every Wednesday night at the Unitarian Church in Cork city centre.
The choir has nine "committed" members and a few "part-timers" and is particularly interested in recruiting sopranos and basses. The choir only has one female member so lesbians in Cork with musical talent are asked to get in touch.
Meanwhile, Allan is looking to the future of the choir with confidence. The festive season is going to be a highlight - for Christmas Eve, the choir has a special recital pencilled in at the Unitarian church, he says.
"We do some liturgical stuff. A lot of church music is very nice. Chants can be very relaxing and soothing. If we can affect people's emotions with music, we are all for it.
"When we sang at the Pride launch, the Lord Mayor Deirdre Clune came in and she was lovely. It was wonderful to have someone with such standing see us perform. It's been great. We are open for reservations if anyone wants to get in touch."
Anyone interested in joining the choir or booking them for a gig should contact Allan O'Sullivan at alleo83@hotmail.com