Makin Thirlmere installed at St Peter & St Paul in Portlaoise

Our first port of call so to speak in our mini tour of Ireland was for the installation at the cavernous Roman Catholic church in Portlaoise (pronounced Port-leash) in County Laois. The Thirlmere tabstop console was built with a split, meaning that installation on the west end balcony would be easy as the organ could be taken up the narrow staircase in sections. This is a prime location with a superb view for the organist down the length of the building to the altar in the distance. The defunct pipe organ including the console and pipes was located here and this is where the choir are seated. 
 
After considerable thought the speakers on top of the old Swell box which is ideal both from a standpoint of acoustics and aesthetics. The installation was completed in time for Dr Keith Harrington to play out the large congregation present for the funeral mass for the recently departed Rita Conroy. This was appreciated by so many parishioners who heard a suitable improvisation starting on Swell strings and ending on full organ. Finally, having managed for several years using a somewhat inadequate and failing pipe organ, they really have an instrument to be proud of and having met one of the organists I know it will be well used.