By Seamie Briscoe
Teddy McConnon’s contribution to entertainment in his home town of Drogheda, and indeed beyond, has been immense for over 70 years. His recent ‘retirement’ from the Drogheda Male Voice Choir prompted his fellow choristers to honour him in the company of his family at a special tribute function in Scholars Hotel.
Teddy McConnon covered many spheres of entertainment, such was his versatility. He played various roles in Pantomime, Musical Theatre and was also part of the famous Drogheda Country and Western group, “The Mountaineers” for a time.
By trade, he was an accomplished signwriter and his work in this field was regarded as being a work of art. However, it was in the choral singing area were Teddy excelled and where he spent the best part of his life in various choirs. From a very young age, Teddy McConnon showed his ability to perform in musical theatre before he graduated to choral singing when he sang with St Peter’s Church Choir in the 1950’s.
Upon the foundation of St Peter’s Male Voice Choir in 1956, with Musical Director, the famous Eugene Mooney, he became an original member of the St Peters Male Voice Choir where he went on to be part of numerous National and International choral successes down through the years. He was also a chorister with the St Peter’s Choral Group, which later became the Tredagh Singers, who also had numerous wonderful similar choral successes.
His friendship and respect for Eugene Mooney, was featured in the documentary on Eugene Mooney’s life which is titled, “Never Sing Louder Than Lovely” and was produced by Tom Murphy and Tommy Finegan of the Drogheda Male Voice Choir.
This documentary features the successes over the years of Musical Director, Eugene Mooney with the St Peters Male Voice Choir and the Choral Group. The narrative is splendidly presented by Teddy McConnon, along with his fellow chorister friends, the late beloved tenor Owen Rafferty, Sylvie Kierans and Bobby Kierans. Special among Teddy McConnon’s past memories, is a Papal Medal presented to him in recognition of his long service to sacred church singing with St Peter’s Church choir, an honour in which he took great pride in receiving.
Bobby Kierans, a founding member of St Peter’s Male Voice Choir with Eugene Mooney, who, later in life became Honorary President of the Drogheda Male Voice Choir and a lifelong friend of Teddy McConnon says; “It was and is indeed a privilege to call Teddy a dear friend and fellow chorister. We shared many great moments on and offstage. He was meticulous in his preparation and singing and he had a wonderful grasp of choral music and singing. He had a particular love of Gilbert & Sullivan and could recite famous verse and poetry at a whim. We shared great success during the times we sang together but, most of all, I cherish the great friendship I have shared with Teddy for over 70 years”.
In 2013 Teddy McConnon joined the Drogheda Male Voice Choir and became one of its most influential members. His knowledge and taste in all classes of the classical musical spectrum led to his advice being invaluable to its Musical Director, Mr David Leddy, who says; “When the lads asked me to be their Musical Director, I was reluctant at first. These men were legends in choral singing over the years. It was an honour for me that I should have even been considered for the role. However, I eventually accepted and the help and advice I received from Teddy and the other seasoned choristers was tremendous.
“Teddy especially, had excellent taste and knowledge and we introduced some of his musical recommendations into our repertoire to great effect. There was also the great respect for Teddy’s advice when we discussed matters of presentation. His presence and influence were immense and when he spoke, everybody listened with great interest heeded his wisdom and took his advice seriously. Teddy’s speciality was, conducting the choir expertly for our rendition of “Battle Hymn Of The Republic”. We shall miss his presence greatly among us and most of all, his great contribution to the Drogheda Male Voice Choir”.
