THE programme of events to mark the centenary of the foundation of An Garda Síochána in Limerick will include a free concert in St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, July 15.
The concert, which features the Garda Band, will be the first major event in a series being held across the Limerick Garda Division this year and, because of limited capacity, it will be live-streamed online.
The event also highlights a strong connection between An Garda Síochána and the University of Limerick with Anna Szumacher, a student from UL’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, having a prominent role in the concert.
Inspector Oliver Nally of Roxboro Road Garda Station, who is co-ordinating the programme of events in Limerick, said that Gardaí have a long-standing history of collaboration with the University of Limerick.
“World Academy of Music and Dance Director Dr Sandra Joyce very kindly arranged for Anna Szumacher to accompany the Garda Band and we are delighted she will be joining us in this musical celebration and collaboration with the University,” he explained.
UL Deputy President Professor Shane Kilcommins said the relationship between the University and An Garda Síochána was strengthened by number of training programmes including a Postgraduate Diploma in Proceeds of Crime and Asset Identification.
“We are very proud to have one of our students performing at this centenary concert in Limerick and it is fitting as UL marks its own fiftieth anniversary that the institutions continue to foster and develop such strong links and connections,” he added.
Ms Szumacher, who comes from Krakow, Poland has been living in Limerick for 18 years. Two years ago, she completed the Certificate of Music and Dance at the Irish World Academy with First Class Honours.
She continues her studies at BA Voice at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and is an enthusiastic and experienced director and conductor of the Cantate Deo Choir, whose repertoire covers a wide range of Latin, Polish and English choral music. Under Anna’s direction, Cantate Deo took first prize at the prestigious Limerick Choir Festival in 2017.
There is limited availability for members of the public to attend the concert. Anyone who is interested in attending the free event can email henry_street_dv@garda.ie to register interest in attending. A limited number of tickets will then be made available to the public.
Because all members of the public who apply for tickets may not be facilitated, the concert will be streamed online.
