Exit stage left: change of the guard for Tipperary Musical Society

Paul Kingson has retired from the role of President, as Kieran Hickey takes up the mantle Sign up to our Ireland Live newsletter Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Ireland Live within your account. It was a very special evening in the Great National Ballykisteen Hotel recently when Tipperary Musical Society gathered to celebrate two much-loved and highly respected members. Mr Paul Kingston, who recently announced his resignation as President of the society, was honoured for his many years of service to the society and was joined by his family members and friends. Recently elected Chairperson, David Condon, expressed his deep gratitude to Paul, on behalf of the entire society, for his decades long service. The society also fondly remembered Paul's late wife, Bridie, who was also deeply involved in the society, both on and off stage, for many years. On the same evening, the society officially inaugurated their newly elected President, Mr. Kieran Hickey. No stranger to the musical scene in Tipperary Town, Kieran was a founding member of the reformed society in 1981, along with Michael O'Donoghue and the late Danny Ryan. It was especially poignant that Michael was in attendance, along with Danny Ryan's son, Michael John, to represent his late father. Since 1981, Kieran has been the foundation on top of which the society was built, serving on committee, on stage, front-of-house and in every aspect of the society's growth and development, over the last 45 years. Joined by a large gathering of his extended family, Kieran spoke of his love for the society, his special memories, and those wonderful members who have since gone on to their eternal award. He paid special recognition to his wife, Phyllis, who has given over 40 years service to the society including as costumes mistress, front of house and she served as Honorary Secretary. The evening concluded with a presentation to both Paul, as outgoing President, and to Kieran, who will service as Tipperary Musical Society's President for the next seven years. The society would like to wish Paul a very happy retirement, and looks forward to working with Kieran, as our new President in the years to come.