PAT McCAFFREY

Pat McCaffrey. This name might not mean a lot to new choir families. However, the Choir would not be what it is today if it weren’t for his tremendous contribution.

ABCI Chairman from 1979-1986, former Registered Member and former choir parent, Pat’s involvement with the Choir began before the Choir itself existed. The Choir’s founding director, VJ Kelly, invited his student to the early rehearsals of his new choir. From that point on, Pat’s association with the Choir was virtually uninterrupted for more than five decades and included assisting with the musical training of the boys and participating in tours and workshops.

Along with witnessing the growth and development of the Choir, Pat oversaw no less than five changes of choir premises!

He continued as a Registered Member of the Institute until his passing in 1993. In his later years, his involvement was in a quiet, fatherly manner, always offering words of encouragement for members of the “Choir family” which was so dear to him.

The PR McCaffrey Award is awarded annually to a boy who has shown exceptional promise while in training. His legacy endures.