Notorious inmates at Arbour Hill prison were given an uplifting experience when an American gospel choir put on a show for them.

Prisoners at the tough Dublin jail were treated to the sing-song on Saturday by the American HOPE choir who were visiting from Florida.

Ten men and women sang in the performance which was held in the jail church.

Inmates were free to come and go while it was taking place. Evil killer Brian Hennessy, who murdered Sharon Whelan and her two daughters in Kilkenny in December 2008, is believed to have been one of the inmates who enjoyed the performance.

Other notorious prisoners at the jail include wife killer Joe OReilly and paedophile Patrick OBrien.

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A source told the Irish Mirror the music is seen as extremely therapeutic for the prisoners.

The source said: Music has always been seen a great way to relax inmates.

Its extremely relaxing and is good therapy for prisoners.

Inmates loved the uplifting performance and the choir were warmly welcomed.

Performers regularly come into the jail throughout the year.

This particular choir have been visiting and performing for the inmates for a number of years and travel over from the States.

It doesnt cost the taxpayer anything as they pay for their travel and expenses themselves.

The inmates are not forced to sit and watch the performance and can come and go as they wish.

A spokesman for the Irish Prison Service last night confirmed that a performance by the choir took place.

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The spokesman said: I can confirm that the choir were in Arbour Hill on Saturday where they gave a recital in the church. They have come in on an annual basis for the last few years.

They volunteer their own time and there is no cost to the Prison Service for the performance. It is open to all prisoners to attend.

Its not the first time inmates have been treated to a performance by visiting singers or musicians.

Last March, murderers and rapists at the jail got to see a show put on by a 60 strong live orchestra.

Its understood a psychologist, who used to work at the jail but has since retired and joined the band, is helping to put on the concert.

In 2013, a Johnny Cash tribute band, Get Rhythm, played for inmates at the Loughan House open prison in Co Cavan.

The eight-piece played to 150 men for more than an hour and was the first in a series of prison shows for the band over five weeks which also included gigs at Wheatfield and Mountjoy prisons.

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Arbour Hill prison inmates treated to sing-song by American gospel choir - Irish Mirror