Autumn concert series for healthcare settings launched

Pictured at Fermoy Community Hospital are Linda Kenny, Maurice Healy, Director of Nursing in Fermoy Community Hospital Marie Hayes; Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Frank O'Flynn; Lisa Harrington and Alf McCarthy. (Picture: Anna Groniecka)

This autumn, Cork County Council proudly presents an enchanting series of concerts that will light up the hearts of residents in healthcare settings across the county.

Under the banner of the ‘Creativity in Older Age’ scheme, generously supported by Creative Ireland, the series of musical performances across several different healthcare locations in County Cork were launched at Fermoy Community Hospital.

A musical journey awaits with the line-up for this series including the captivating Cork Pops Quartet, the sensational trio who cover show tune classics, and the legendary Jimmy Crowley accompanied by the incredible Eve Telford. These gifted artists will grace a total of nine community hospitals and care homes, treating audiences to twenty-seven mesmerising performances.

Mayor of county Cork, Cllr Frank Flynn expressed his enthusiasm stating, that the people of the county are ‘thrilled’ at the anticipation of such performances.

“We are thrilled to witness and wholeheartedly support the incredible talents showcasing their musical performances in our care homes and community hospitals across the county. Creativity holds significance throughout every phase of life, and music undeniably bestows a profoundly positive influence.

“These concerts will bring the joy of live music to individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity. In rural Cork, where feelings of isolation can sometimes be prevalent among older residents, this initiative represents just one of the numerous ways we aim to bring creativity into their lives,” Mayor O’Flynn said.

Launched in 2020, the ‘Creativity in Older Age’ scheme aims to promote positive ageing and well-being programmes for older individuals. This year, the initiative continues its mission to support positive ageing, combat social isolation and foster new forms of creative engagement for older members of our community.

Cork County Council is committed to enhancing the lives of its residents and fostering creativity and community engagement throughout the county. This scheme is another string to the bow of this commitment, bringing the magic of music to beloved older citizens. 

As an acknowledgement of the tremendous work undertaken through local authorities collaborating with live music performers and residential healthcare settings during the pandemic, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Minister for Health, have agreed to co-fund successful proposals for live music in residential healthcare facilities through the all-of-government programmes in Creative Ireland and Healthy Ireland.