The news of the death of Sr. Agnes Cecilia Nolan of the Sisters of Mercy, Arklow, on Sunday 7th November 2010 brings to an end a major chapter in the choral life of Ireland, and of the Cork International Choral Festival.  Sr. Agnes and her choirs, both school and past pupils, participated with great success in the festival and her consummate musicianship and artistry, coupled with her unaffected and understated conducting, always impacted on the audience and, needless to say, the adjudicators. 

In the following comment on Sr. Agnes and the Past Pupils’ Choir of St. Mary’s College, Arklow’s performance of his work “Moya da bude devoika”, the Bulgarian composer, Alexander Tanev (1928-1996), summarises her artistry and contribution perfectly – “ Such a perfect sense, not only for the musical text and the lyrics, but for the very spirit of and temperament of the piece itself.  It is really unique.  Add to this the striking understanding of quite a different way of musical thinking when the melody and metro- rhythmical structure are concerned and also when the requirements for virtuosity and technique are taken into account. It is an excellent choir, led by a brilliant conductor.”  The Cork International Choral Festival extends its sympathy to her community, her family, her friends, and the school with which she was associated for so many years.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal.