Dreamer Spillane spreading the age friendly message across his native Cork

Sat, 11 Oct, 2025 - 07:00

Donal O’Keeffe

At the age of 64, Cork’s new age friendly ambassador, musician, and songwriter John Spillane, says he is only coming into his prime and can think of no better place in which to grow old than his home town.

“I’ve come up with a line or two in the hit factory over the years, and two that come to mind for this new role are ‘I won’t be afraid anymore,’ and ‘will we be brilliant or what’,” Mr Spillane said.

“I was honoured to be asked to represent the Age Friendly Programme on behalf of the people of Cork.

“I look forward to promoting positive aging initiatives in Cork, because I can think of no finer place to grow old in.

“There are almost 30,000 people aged over 65 living in Cork city and it’s essential that we spread the ‘age friendly’ message to ensure that Cork remains a great place to grow old in,” the award-winning troubadour told The Echo.

Awareness

Mr Spillane will represent the Cork City Age Friendly programme in a voluntary role designed to raise awareness of age friendly practices supporting our aging population, both locally and nationally.

He will take up the role which was formerly held by John Mullins, who sadly passed away suddenly earlier this year.

Valerie O’Sullivan, chief executive of Cork City Council, said the sad passing of Mr Mullins left a wonderful legacy, one upon which Mr Spillane would build.

“Cork city and its people who engage with and enjoy the Age Friendly programme will benefit hugely from John’s involvement,” she said.

“We are very grateful that he has accepted this voluntary role, to which, we know, he will bring his own unique contribution and we very much look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”