A life of poetry and song for former Cork army corporal Tracy

EVEN though 50-year-old Tracy Connolly has done a lot already, she says she still has more to do!

Tracy, who grew up on Ashburton Hill, Cork, like her late dad, has already made a big contribution to her country, serving 23 years in the Irish Army retiring as corporal.

“Dad was a true Irish hero who we have yet to speak more about.

“I’m now a veteran!” says Tracy, who lives in Killavullen.

“It only feels like yesterday I joined the army! I made great friends, and we celebrate a 30-year re-union of our recruit platoon in April this year.”

Tracy has also made a big contribution to the arts. She recently launched her third poetry book, Remedies of Poetry, and is working on an album. Nothingness is one of her songs that is nominated for the Red Carpet Awards in Europe later this year.

How did the Cork woman achieve all this thus far in her life?

“Growing up, I took a big interest in music,” says Tracy, a mother of one.

“I guess I was writing it down since I was very young, and at the age of 13, I joined the Mayfield Brass Band after seeing it advertised in school. I learnt how to read music and play the trumpet. I played and toured with the band,” says Tracy.

I joined Cork School of Music Band later on. I always fancied playing the saxophone and it wasn’t long before I progressed into the 22 piece jazz band there.

“Every year we would take to the stage in the Metropole, and there was such a buzz about it. We also toured abroad to Rennes in France which was a great experience for a young person. Later, after this, I joined a five- piece band called The Dukes. I toured with them for three years as a wedding band.”

What did music do for Tracy?

“Music gives you hope, courage and confidence, and a secure feeling of belonging within a group.”

Whilst working as a female security guard part-time while in college, Tracy decided to apply for the army. She got in with seven other females and 28 men.

“It was a game-changer,” says Tracy.

“The hardest moments of my life lay ahead.”

Other things lay ahead for the ambitious young woman.

“After retiring from the army, I’m happy to help veterans in need and homeless veterans,” says Tracy.

“I was one of the first females to be elected onto the Board of Directors of Ógliagh Náisiúnta na hÉireann. Today I speak on heritage sites; I’m always finding new ways to evolve. So I’m not done yet and who knows where I’ll end up. Life is a surprise!”

When Tracy had left the army, she had qualified in a Major healthcare Support Award 10 modules, 10 distinctions, which allowed her to work in any hospital up and down the country. She put both her military training and healthcare training to work.

Then the pandemic hit.

Even though I had a true passion towards helping people, I was drawn to writing poetry where later it would start evolving into song.

It felt like some kind of calling.

“I immediately set up a poetry page and people just started following me!”

Tracy cheered people up at their lowest.

“You could unwind or solve any problem you were having by visiting my page,” says Tracy.

“It was something to look forward to as we had nothing else to keep us upbeat. News was constantly negative, but I found a way to turn it around.”

Tracy joined all the social media platforms. She believed in herself and in her words.

“I believe you will always be found if you just persevere,” says Tracy.

I was published with my first book of poetry in December, 2020, Poetsbelief On Lockdown. What an amazing feeling that was!

Tracy went on to publish two more books of poetry; A Message From Poetsbelief and Remedies of Poetry.

Tracy’s poetry started to go into song.

“I’m working on my debut album at the moment, I have six songs released so far, and my goal is to complete a full album.

“JP McNamara on C103 North has supported my music from the very beginning.”

Tracy composes her own songs, then she gets them arranged and they are enhanced for release.

“It’s a one-girl show!”

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

“My daughter loves music too,” says Tracy.

She is a music critique.

“Before I put out a song, it has to be listened to by her,” says Tracy.

“She is my best critique!”

Tracy has somebody else to champion her.

“Padraig, my fiancé, drives me on to be a better person in life,” says Tracy.

He’s there in the background, always praising and always pushing me to dream big.

A wedding is in the offing.

“Recently we got our wedding bands blessed in Tenerife.”

The Red Carpet Awards in Europe in September where Tracy is up for six awards is online this year.

“When I submitted my song, Nothingness, for consideration, I didn’t think I’d be nominated for six of my songs in different categories. It’s great to be in the final.

“I love writing songs and hearing the notes. Everything just flows like it’s meant to.”

Tracy, having achieved so much already, looks to the future.

“I hope in the future I will be found for my music and maybe one day someone will believe in my passion for it too,” she says.

“I will continue to write for the rest of my life as it gives myself and others solace in an unpredictable world.”

Find Tracy on social @poetsbelief and https:// www.facebook.com/poetsbelief