Past winners and performers from over-60s competition serenade Cork nursing home residents 

ADVOCATE for older people in Cork, Paddy O’Brien, has commended all those who took part in a recent concert event at Farranlea Nursing Home in Wilton.

Mr O’Brien was involved in organising the event which brought together residents and staff of the nursing home and former winners and performers of the Over-60s Talent Competition.

The Over-60s Talent Competition was founded by Mr O’Brien in 1977 as a means to help combat loneliness among the aged.

The competition heats ceased when covid-19 hit in 2020, but Mr O’Brien continues to spread joy through song by visiting various nursing homes across the city with past performers of the competition.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr O’Brien said: “The residents of Farranlea Nursing Home at Victoria Cross were recently treated to a lovely afternoon of song and dance.

“Residents were entertained by past winners and finalists of the very popular Over-60s Talent Competition.

“I started the competition in 1977.

“Since then, over the last few years, the same group have visited many nursing homes throughout the city and county, and the recent afternoon concert at Farranlea was very successful, with some of the residents performing as well, including 95-year-old Nelly Downey, Seán McCarthy, and Marian Meligan.

“The over-60s present were Mary Conway, Charlie McAllister, Marian Collins, and Billy Horgan, and also present were some past finalists who performed for the residents including Carole Lennox, Kevin Cummins, Tony Blackshields, and Fred Lotty. Also present was Ger Bruton, who has been involved in the Over-60s for many years, on the keyboard.”

Mr O’Brien also paid tribute to both activities co-ordinators at the nursing home, Eileen Fogarty and Caroline Byrnes.

The group will have another concert at Mount Cara on Redemption Road and Mount Desert on Lee Road in the coming weeks.