The walls of St Nicholas reverberated with song this weekend, as the Church held its ever-popular Civic Carol Service. All five choirs of the St Nicholas’ Schola Cantorum joined forces to form the Great Choir of St Nicholas, performing at the annual Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. This musically-led service is open to all, and all showed up in force to listen, worship, and sing. This service has been taking place in St Nicholas’ for decades and has become a West of Ireland tradition, where locals say that the festive season only begins in earnest when the mighty organ bellows out the final chords of O Come, All ye Faithful. Rector of the church, Provost Lynda Peilow, mentioned that the Civic Carol Service was the perfect opportunity for Galwegians of all faiths and none to meet and commune in the true spirit of Christmas, giving thanks for the love and fellowship they have experienced over the last year, to reflect on the blessings of family and community, and to hope for the peace and love of Christ this Yuletide holiday. The church will be on reduced opening hours this Christmas after 11AM service on December 25th, reopening fully on January 3rd.