In a state of bad disrepair it was the last aspect of the wonderful College Chapel that needed attention.  But care had to be taken to ensure that a fitting restoration was undertaken.  

 

Having consulted with several experts in this area finally it was decided to use the skills of Derek Verso, of the Fine Tuning Company, to undertake the complete restoration and refitting of the wonderful Oak Organ that sat in the choir loft of the College Chapel. 

 

Following months of dedicated and careful work the College Organ from 1850 was once again heard in the College Chapel on the occasion of the College Reunion in August of this year. As part of the considerable works of restoration many of the original pipes were managed to be retrained and so these wooden pipes from the 1850s once again played their mellowed tones. In undertaking the work Derek researched with colleagues in the UK and found photos of two extremely similar instruments both dated and signed by the builder in 1850. Therefore it is possible to confirm that the College organ was built by Bevington & Sons, London during the1850s. Bevington was one of the most notable organ builders of 19th century and, interestingly, built many organs in the Kilkenny/Ossory Diocese (including both Cathedrals in Kilkenny, St Canice’s Parish, Castlecomer Parish in 1854 and St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin in 1862. The College Organ then is in fine company and this was a most worthwhile project to have it restored. 

 

It now sits proudly in the Chapel and its sounds are heard as music students of the College come to hone their gift – to practice, perform or lead prayer. It is wonderful to have an old friend sound again.