Over-60s concert group bring joy to Cork nursing home residents

The well-known organiser of Cork’s Over 60s Talent competition has taken his show on the road to reduce loneliness for everyone from nursing home residents to the homeless.

Past winners and runners up from the contest most recently performed in Farranlea Nursing Home to the delight of residents at the facility.

The competition’s founder, Paddy O’Brien said his reason for taking the show to nursing homes is to spread joy and reduce loneliness.

The facility was one of a number of nursing homes visited by the Over-60s concert group over the last year.

Farranlea Nursing Home residents were treated to performances from a number of local celebrities including 2009 Over-60’s winner, Mary Conway.

The singer, who celebrated her 92nd birthday last July, performed a variety of songs including her favourite Sweet 16.

The afternoon of entertainment also featured 2013 winner Charlie McAllister and 2010 winner Billy Horgan.

Marian Collins who took home the trophy in 2011 after representing Redmond’s GAA Club performed the John Denver song Seasons of the Heart.

They were joined by Billy Horgan who represented the community of Togher back in 2010.

Semi-finalists were also present including Tony Shields, Kevin Cummins and special guest Denis O’Shea.

Paddy explained why he passionate about bringing the competition to as many people as possible.

“These visits bring much joy and happiness to all the residents in the homes we visit,” he explained.

“It is possible to experience loneliness in a nursing home.

“Nursing residents can become lonely too in spite of the great care they get from staff.

“When I started the over 60s in 1977 it was for one reason only and that was to combat loneliness by getting people out of their homes to perform and attend the local heats. That was 43 years ago.

“The reason why we go to nursing homes is the same-to bring some happiness and joy into the lives of elderly people.