All About Cork: Afternoon of fun and song for residents of St Finbarr’s Hospital

Mon, 16 Dec, 2024 - 16:40

Rory Noonan

The long term residents at St Finbarr’s Hospital were entertained by some winners and finalists of the Over 60s talent competition.

Paddy O’Brien, who organises these afternoon concerts in nursing homes throughout the year, said: “It is a great pleasure for all the singers to visit these nursing homes.

Laura Geary, activities coordinator and student nurse Anna Kearney with Chrissie Murphy who recently celebrated her 97th birthday, and Rita Carroll enjoying the festive fun at St Finbarr's Hospital. Picture: Larry Cummins

“The elderly love music, especially the old songs, which bring back happy memories to them of their younger days.

“The residents get good care and attention in all the nursing homes but they can also experience great loneliness.”

The concert began with all the singers performing some popular Christmas carols, including ‘O Holy Night’, and were backed on the keyboards by Ger Bruton.

Also present on the day was Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, who joined in the singing as did Betty O’Donovan, a native of Donoughmore who is a resident at the hospital.

Laura Geary, activities coordinator at the hospital, thanked the singers for the lovely afternoon of song and said she was looking forward to them making a return visit in the new year as were all the residents.

Douglas Tidy Towns volunteers enjoyed a Christmas lunch at Barry's in Douglas last Saturday. The group has much to celebrate, after many successful community and biodiversity projects over the year, and maintaining bronze medal status for Douglas at the national Tidy Towns awards. Picture: Douglas Tidy Towns

GAA club charity collection

The Douglas GAA community and friends came together to support three incredible charities: Good Shepherd, Irish Heart Foundation, and Simon Community.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Thanks to your generosity a full van of goods was delivered to Edel House (Good Shepherd); a very packed car of donations went to Simon Community and cash donations were also collected to further support these vital causes.

“We also want to extend a special thank you to the amazing organisers, who have been leading this initiative for the past six years. Your dedication and hard work make this all possible.

“If you missed the event our online donation link is still open. So if you couldn’t make it on Saturday, there’s still time to contribute. Every little bit helps. You can donate at: https://member.clubforce.com/memberships_cart_m.asp?LL_ID=2465&intMF_ID=14291#topp

“Furthermore we had a great collection in the bar on Sunday evening where Christmas jumpers were to the fore. Just a few euros short of €700 was collected for Marymount.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated and supported this initiative.”

Have Douglas news to share? Contact rory.noonan@theecho.ie

Works 'progressing at pace' in Cork's Bishop Lucey Park