SOME of Cork’s most talented young singers have been selected as members of the prestigious Irish Youth Choir.

Five singers age 18-23 from Cork city are joined by Caoilin McCarthy (20), from Clonakilty and Mary Donnelly (21) from Youghal.

There is more West Cork success with Matthew Herlihy, Ballinhassig, joining eight other Cork singers as part of the ensemble aged 14-17 years.

Both choirs meet annually to participate in a summer residential programme that culminates in a series of concerts for the public at the Irish Chamber Orchestra Hall in Limerick and Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin.

The Irish Youth Choirs programme is run by Sing Ireland, and this year both choirs were directed by former Irish Youth Choir members, alumni Patrick Barrett and Lynsey Callaghan.

Dermot O’Callaghan, CEO of Sing Ireland said: ‘The Irish Youth Choirs are our national youth choral ensembles and are at the heart of the next generation of choral singing in Ireland. They provide a distinctive national level experience that goes beyond what many young singers can access locally, creating opportunities to perform ambitious repertoire, work with exceptionally creative teams, and connect with like-minded singers from every part of the country, including those from Cork, who share a passion for choral music.’