In the Brothers of Charity Services by Éadaoin Curtin & Louis Quinlan
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
t M u sicians and
re a Mu
in gG sic
t Lo
ra
leb
ve
in the Brothers of Charity Services
rs
Ce
by Éadaoin Curtin & Louis Quinlan
6
10 14
24
22
20
26
12
Numbers
16 refer to a page
8 18
number in the
text.
Over 8,400 men, women and children received support from
the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland in 2020, with over
4,300 employees (about 3,500 wte) making it the largest
provider of support services for people with intellectual
disability in Ireland.
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Cover_Patrick McGinley.indd 1 2021-04-30 1:36 PM
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers in
A Celebration of Quality in the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland
the Brothers of Charity Services
While fully recognising the need for continuous Service improvement, this
by Éadaoin Curtin & Louis Quinlan
Series celebrates the achievements of people supported by the Brothers of
Charity Services Ireland. It recognises, respects and applauds the tremendous
Peter Triest Publications commitment of every member of staff who - working individually and
Kilcornan House as team members in cooperation with the people we support, and with
Clarinbridge families, volunteers and local communities - achieve wonderful, sometimes
Co Galway, Ireland amazing, outcomes. We are happy to celebrate the level of success achieved
H91 K2E9 in implementing the Mission of the Brothers of Charity, ‘Providing quality
e-mail: petertriest.publ@bocsi.ie services to support people who are in danger of being marginalised... and
creating opportunities and choices that develop and maintain connected lives
ISBN 978-1-8382723-9-5 where all are cherished as valued and equal citizens in our communities.’
Copyright © Brothers of Charity, 2021 Patrick McGinley, Series Editor
In this Series
Barrett, L. (2021). SLT out of the Clinic and into Daily Life: Innovative
Speech and Language Therapy approaches promoting the use of AAC.
Music is a celebration of life, it creates connections with others Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
and it can be an important bridge that leads to genuine integration Brodie, S. (2021). Celebrating Blue Teapot Theatre Company. Clarinbridge,
within our communities. There have been many successful projects Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
led by some wonderful teachers and musicians across our services Curtin, É. & Quinlan, L. (2021). Celebrating Great Musicians and Music
that have been really positive experiences for everyone involved and Lovers in the Brothers of Charity Services. Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91
which have contributed to a real sense of personal fulfilment for K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
some of our great musicians and music lovers. Flynn, S., Hopkins, R. & Cahill, M. (2021). On the Street where I Live:
Éadaoin Curtin, May 2021 Celebrating having the key of my own front door. Clarinbridge, Co Galway,
H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
Hope, L. & Sexton, M. (2021). Celebrating Fine Art and Great Artists in
The Music the Brothers of Charity Services. Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter
To listen to the music of the Great Musicians just search YouTube Triest Publications.
for: BOCSIMUSIC Phelan, L. & O’Regan, H. (2021). The Dignity of Risk helps you Live your
Dream. Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
Power, C. & Flynn, S. (2021). Advocacy - Nothing about Us without Us in
Series Editor: Patrick McGinley the Brothers of Charity Services. Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter
Triest Publications.
Reilly, A. (2021). Home Sharing - Support from Wonderful Families.
Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Cover_Patrick McGinley.indd 2 2021-04-30 1:36 PM
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Contents
2 Foreword: Dr Evelyn Grant
3 The Authors: Éadaoin Curtin and Louis Quinlan
5 Introduction
6 Bernadette Lynch
8 Pat McKenna
10 Peter Kelly
12 Gerard Walsh
14 Simon Chuwa
16 Una O’Callaghan
18 Ciara O Riordan
20 Eliza Pentony
22 Breda Carmody
24 Mary O’Dea
26 Joseph O’Keeffe
28 Acknowledgements
The Front Cover:
Originally from Tralee, Co Kerry and now living in Bandon, Co Cork Pat
McKenna plays a variety of instruments including the bodhrán, keyboard,
harmonica and the button accordion. He is pictured here with his blue
Serenelli Diatonic button accordion on which he played a traditional Irish
Air for ‘Great Musicians and Music lovers.’
The Back Cover:
The numbers on the map on the back cover refer to the page numbers in
the text. The numbers indicate where the musicians avail of day service or
support.
1
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 1 2021-04-30 1:35 PM
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Foreword
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
tells a story that is much bigger than the words
on the page. The story is about love of music.
This is something we can all relate to, but the
reader will be particularly struck by the diversity
in this story, as the participants describe the
many kinds of music they enjoy, from hymns to
hip-hop, and from South African music to Irish
folk and country music. The different ways we engage with music come
across – as music performers; as listeners in our personal environments;
as audience in public spaces; and as learners setting personal goals for
progress and achievement.
In these four areas, society needs to make more accommodation
not only to provide equality of access and opportunity for people with
disability, but also to examine the barriers to equality of outcome.
Éadaoin Curtin and her colleagues in the Brothers of Charity Services
are great advocates. While a lot of music education is curriculum and
syllabus driven, the tutors here are working in a totally student-centred
way. They are creating flexible, personalised methods of teaching and
learning, alongside facilitating listening, music-making and performance.
Great credit is due to the music tutors, and in particular, to the
authors Éadaoin Curtin and Louis Quinlan. I had the pleasure of
working with Éadaoin, through Cork Music Works, on projects leading
up to Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2005. I already
knew her as an accomplished musician, but her commitment to music
as a tool for empowerment and fulfilment for people with disability was
inspiring. Bernadette Lynch’s wonderful recording of ‘Secret Love Song’ is
a powerful example of talent combined with production excellence.
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers is full of joy, and a
huge thank you must go to all the participants for sharing that joy with us.
Dr Evelyn Grant, May 2021
2
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 2 2021-04-30 1:35 PM
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
The Authors: Éadaoin Curtin
Originally from Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick,
Éadaoin Curtin first began learning piano at the
age of 6 when she fell in love with a piano in her
Grandmother’s house and persuaded her parents
to buy one for her. Out of this grew a lifelong
passion for playing music - all different genres
of music. Éadaoin came to Cork in 1996 and
completed an honours music degree in University
College Cork.
Éadaoin worked as a music tutor before she began working in day
services in the Brothers of Charity Services in 2003. During her time
working across the day services Éadaoin focused on developing projects
that would integrate people supported with musical experiences within
their own communities. This included the establishment of individual
and group music sessions. While working at The Brook Day Service in
Douglas, Cork and Caritas Training Centre in Wilton, Cork, Éadaoin
ran weekly group and individual sessions that focused on music
appreciation, exposure to music from different cultures and introductions
to instruments that students may not have had the experience of seeing
or trying before. There were also percussion ensembles set up between
the day services that performed at Christmas and at end-of-year concerts.
Éadaoin established a Lámh choir last year with great support from the
Speech and Language Therapy department and ran a mixed choir with a
day service group and a local secondary school, Regina Mundi. As many
of the people attending our services were passionate about dance, various
dance groups were set up over the years and dance classes became a
popular option at day services. Some of the supported people have
performed in the dance competition at the Irish Performing Arts Festival
that took place in Cork in 2016. As part of music groups and musical
appreciation, attending concerts and talking about the experience was an
integral part of the course work and Éadaoin has been a strong advocate
for bringing the students to live events as well as performing in them.
3
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 3 2021-04-30 1:35 PM
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
As well as the Irish performing Arts Festival, there have been
performances as part of City Hall events and with Cork Community Arts
Links, Cork Music Works and ‘Music Generation’.
Éadaoin is now working as a day service manager and hopes to
further develop the role of music and the arts within the services. Éadaoin
herself, loves to play traditional Irish music and her favourite instrument
is the Irish Flute. She can’t wait for Covid restrictions to ease so she can
get back to playing music with others.
Louis Quinlan
Louis Quinlan commenced his relationship with
the Brother of Charity Services way back in 1993
with a brief as Woodwork Instructor/Supervisor
at the workshop at Belmont Park. Shortly after
this Louis worked to develop relationships
with community groups in Waterford like the
St Patrick’s Day Committee, Waterford Walls,
Waterford Youth Arts and Waterford City Arts
Office. Louis engaged with Joe O’Keeffe and
Gerard Walsh on many aspects of their musical interests and pursuits,
and Joe was a frequent performer at many of our yearly shows hosted by
Susan McGill and her team. Gerard Walsh along with the Pathfinders
Team and music supporter Sharon Scanlon wrote and recorded ‘See the
Difference in Me.’ Gerard has played the organ in both the Church of
the Holy Trinity and Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford.
Louis is currently Service Manager at Tory Service, Waterford.
4
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 4 2021-04-30 1:35 PM
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Introduction
‘We are the music makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams.’
Arthur O’Shaughnessy (1844-1881)
Music has had an important role to play in all our lives and is welcomed
and acknowledged for its beneficial contribution in enhancing the
experiences of those attending the Brothers of Charity Services.
During my time working in the Brothers of Charity, I have been
involved in providing individual and group music sessions, choirs,
percussion groups, dance groups and collaborative projects for arts and
live events. I consider myself so lucky to have had the opportunity to be
involved in the facilitation of all of these.
There is much written about the therapeutic benefits of music as
a learning tool, for memorization skills, for anxiety reduction and for
stimulating and motivating speech, but for me the most rewarding aspect
of any session is the emotions that it can evoke. There is nothing that
can compare to experiencing the absolute unbridled joy of some of our
musicians as they hear their favourite song, or the powerful feelings
experienced from listening to a piece of classical music, or the intense
energy created in a driving rhythm.
Music is a celebration of life, it creates connections with others and
it can be an important bridge that leads to genuine integration within
our communities. There have been many successful projects led by
some wonderful teachers and musicians across our services that have
been really positive experiences for everyone involved and which have
contributed to a real sense of personal fulfilment for some of our great
musicians and music lovers.
Some of our contributors to this Booklet have involved performances
like Bernadette Lynch in Arigna, Co Roscommon, Pat McKenna in
Bandon, Co Cork and Gerard Walsh in Tramore, Co Waterford - and
how lovely to see Eliza Pentony in Limerick who has started learning to
play the piano again.
Éadaoin Curtin, May 2021.
5
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 5 2021-04-30 1:35 PM
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
John Nugent
Bernadette Lynch is a native of Arigna, Co
Roscommon, an old mining town in the North of
the county. When Bernadette is at home, the hills are
truly ‘Alive with the Sound of Music.’ Bernadette
loves singing. Singing is her passion, her inspiration
and her great escape. The Group Chic had a song
called ‘Lost in Music’ and this perfectly describes
Bernadette’s state of being when she performs. From a tutor’s point of
view, working with someone like Bernadette is a joy.
People who have experienced Bernadette perform tell us how evident
it is she enjoys what she is doing and that she’s really great at interacting
with the audience. She seems to take on a new persona when she
performs. She is a natural performer and a great Musician.
Bernadette Lynch
It all started for me when I became a teenager. Music became a central
part of my life. I started singing everywhere I went, not knowing I was
doing it. I discovered my voice. My favourite style is Hip-Hop music, it’s
full of energy and passion. I sing positive and happy songs, songs with a
message and ones I can relate to. When I sing I feel good, I feel energised
and I am transported to a different place.
In 2018 I won a talent show and that gave me the confidence I
needed. I’ve performed in more shows and community productions
since then. I love being on the stage and I miss it so much during this
pandemic. It hit at the wrong time as I was just about to join the local
musical society.
My favourite artists include Beyonce, Rhianna, Adele and Little
Mix, but its not just female music I sing - I love Niall Horan and Lewis
Capaldi too. I am so lucky to have my voice as my instrument. It’s with
me everywhere I go, at every time of day and when I want to make
music I just open my mouth and it’s there. I couldn’t imagine life without
singing.
6
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 6 2021-04-30 1:35 PM
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Singer Bernadette Lynch from Arigna, Co Roscommon
7
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 7 2021-04-30 1:35 PM
Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Rob McKahey
Rob McKahey lives in Cobh, Co Cork and has
taught music in the Brothers of Charity Services for
the last six years. In that time Rob has supported Pat
McKenna in going to a group music session once a
week and also teaches Pat in individual classes.
‘Pat inspires me and others with the sense of joy
that he gets from music and he has a wonderful
personality that shines through in his playing.’
Pat McKenna
I am originally from Tralee, Co Kerry. I am a resident of the Brothers of
Charity Services in Bandon and I enjoy attending community support
services here.
I have played music for over 25 years and I just decided to pick it up
myself at the start. I play a variety of instruments including the bodhrán,
keyboard, harmonica and the button accordion. I play a blue Serenelli
Diatonic button accordion that I purchased in Clonakilty in West Cork.
I love all kinds of music but in particular Irish ballads and I like to sing
a song in the local pub when we go there at the weekends. Some of my
favourite tunes to play are ‘The Dawning of The Day’, ‘Wooden Heart’
and ‘The Sally Gardens’. I have also performed in the annual talent show
in Ballinhassig and I’m on one of their DVDs.
During the lockdown last year I played outside my house in the
estate where I live, for all my neighbours - that was really appreciated by
everyone. I have a keen interest in pipe bands and really enjoy watching
YouTube videos of pipe bands from all over the world on my iPad. I love
playing music for other people and I miss the group sessions and playing
with Rob since the Covid pandemic began. I have done Zoom classes with
Rob to keep up practise but it’s not the same and I look forward to us all
being back together once again playing music.
8
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 8 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Pat McKenna playing his accordion in Bandon, Co Cork
9
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 9 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Eoin Kelly
My name is Eoin Kelly and as a care assistant in
the John Paul Centre, Ballybane, Galway I have
supported Peter Kelly since January 2014.
Over this time I have come to recognise the
importance of music in Peter’s life. It has been a
privilege to share time with him singing along to
songs we both like and attending the odd concert
here and there. Peter’s love of music has provided a wonderful and
enriching means for both of us to interact and share some wonderful
times together.
Peter Kelly
Peter Kelly is a Connemara man in his mid-forties. He has lived in
the John Paul Centre since he was nine years of age having a severe
intellectual disability. Peter is a gentle and warm man with a roguish smile.
After his family, I think Peter’s love of music, particularly Irish Folk
and Country music, has been one of the greatest resources in his life. It
has carried him through his time in the services. Although Peter is non-
verbal, music provides a means through which he can express his joy and
happiness and establish a connection with others.
Peter will happily listen for hours on end to favourite artists like
Finbar Furey, Garth Brooks, Mary Black, Dolores Keane and Big Tom to
name but a few. His biggest love is that of Philomena Begley. Even if Peter
is having an anxious day Philomena’s music can just transform his mood.
It does one’s heart good to see how happy it makes him, with a bright
smile and outbursts of laughter as he listens. In recent years, his love of
music has provided a tremendous social outlet for him through attending
concerts all around the place. Listening to Philomena can brighten Peter’s
spirit in an instant, especially when he is feeling a little low or stressed by
things. I remember so vividly how Peter sat enraptured during a concert
of Philomena Begley and Ray Lynam a few years ago in Leisureland in
Salthill. He was still on a high as he went to bed that night. Philomena’s
playlist on Spotify is constantly playing on his phone. Peter responds so
10
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 10 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Music lover Peter Kelly, Ballybane, Galway
11
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 11 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
strongly to the songs he would have heard on the radio or on cassette
tapes growing up. Even in the late 1980’s he was known for the warmth
of his response to music on the then state of the art tape recorder. It
reminds me that this kind of music has been a constant for him, while
particular artists, songs, settings and circumstances have changed,
growing from boyhood to manhood since he first came to the Brothers of
Charity Residential Services in 1986.
Louis Quinlan and Gerard Walsh
Ger, as he likes to be called, is a young man in his early 30s living in
Tramore, Co Waterford. He works in Tramore in the Meeting Place
from Monday to Friday. In his spare time, Ger is an avid musician who
really enjoys playing his organ for friends and family. He has played
the organ all around Waterford in various Church of Ireland Churches
and Cathedrals. Ger’s dream would be to go one day to the Washington
National Cathedral to see the organ there being played. Ger is a fan of all
types of music but his favourites are classical music, and hymns.
Q Tell me about your favourite instrument and getting started with it.
A I play the organ; it’s like a piano only bigger and with more pedals!
I was 13 when I started to play. I started with an electric keyboard, it’s a
lot smaller than the organ I have now and it didn’t work as well or sound
as good. My Dad bought it for me in a charity shop for only €99!
Q Where did your interest in the organ start, who influenced you?
A I liked to listen to the sound of the organ so I bought some CDs and
started listening to them a lot. My favourite organ player was Claude
Cantwell from Tramore. Claude passed away a few years ago. He was
very good on the organ, he didn’t even need a hymn book, and he knew
every song! My own favourite song is the hymn ‘How Great Thou Art.’
I taught myself how to play the organ but sometimes I use YouTube to
help me. Playing the organ makes me feel happy, and learning new songs
is exciting!
12
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 12 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Q What would you say to someone who just started playing the organ?
A I would tell them it’s easier to start with a keyboard, and to practise
every day. I’d tell them music is very important because it makes you
happy, and it makes other people happy. Other people love my music.
My housemates and my family love it, but especially my dad. Playing
music helps me to relax, and it makes me happy. I listen to music when I
am doing my puzzles and it helps me to focus. People all over the world
like music, like classical music or gospel music. I like all types of music,
except some of the stuff that comes on the radio!
Gerard Walsh plays the organ in Tramore, Co Waterford
13
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 13 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
John Garvey
My name is John Garvey and I have been working as
a music teacher and music therapist with The Brothers
of Charity Services for eight years. Music therapy uses
music to help people find ways to express themselves,
and to communicate and relate with others through the
medium of music. When I first met Simon, he was shy
and preferred to listen rather than actively engage. As
the weeks progressed Simon began to introduce me to African music and to
his Tswana language. He showed a keen interest in drumming. Simon also
enjoys singing and whistling to express himself. During lockdown Simon
began to use his kitchen table as a drum, we have to be very creative during
these challenging times! Now that Clement Moylan his artist friend, has
allowed him to use his drum, Simon can express himself using an instrument
that is a huge part of his heritage and one that brings him immense joy.
Simon Chuwa
My name is Simon Chuwa. I am from Mabopane, which is a township of
Pretoria, South Africa. I moved to Ireland about six years ago. My first
language is Tswana, but I am picking up a lot of English now and can
get by very well, I can always let people know what I need! I have been
supported the Brothers of Charity Services since May 2020.
Since I moved to my new apartment in Knocknacarra, I have been singing
and playing the Conga drum with John Garvey for 6 months now. We used
to meet for music sessions with John in Glenina Heights in Galway, but since
Covid got bad we have a Zoom session every week and I really enjoy it. It is
good fun and hopefully we will be able to meet properly again soon.
I love South African music and Reggae, but I like listening to most
music. John helps me to find the music I like on Spotify.
I sing every day and it makes me happy. I often stand out on the
balcony of my apartment and sing away to myself. I don’t have my own
drum yet but I am hoping to get one soon. I would like to get a blue or
black Conga drum. My friend, Clement Moylan who is a great artist, lives
in a neighbouring apartment, and he lets me borrow his drum for now.
14
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 14 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Drummer Simon Chuwa, Galway
15
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 15 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Noreen Forde
I’ve known Una for 15 years and I’ve had the
pleasure of supporting her for the last 6 years. Una
loves music and you will never see Una without
her earphones - listening to music while walking or
getting buses. Una loves to practise her music in her
bedroom. She will purchase books from Pro Musica
in Cork, her ‘favourite music shop’ or go to the
library to print off some music sheets so she can learn a new song. On
any music course Una is a great student and her passion for music shows
through in the dedication she gives to her studies.
Una is always ready to entertain her friends and family at parties by
playing or singing a song. Una has made her family and support staff
CDs of her singing. This was a great hobby to have to help all of us to get
through Covid lockdowns!
Una O’Callaghan
My name is Una O’Callaghan and I am from Passage West in Co Cork.
I attend Community Support services in the Brothers of Charity Services.
I learnt piano from a very young age and my family, especially my
father, had a huge influence on my playing and my music. All my family
sang and were involved in choirs and they encouraged me to do the same.
I started taking formal music lessons at a later stage when I was attending
supported services.
My teachers Mark and Muriel from Cork Education and Training
Board encouraged me to try a new instrument and this is where I decided
on the recorder. I play all types of tunes on the recorder but my favourite
melodies to play are Irish songs like ‘The Rose of Tralee’ and old classic
pop songs from Elvis Presley, and The Carpenters. I also completed a
course on music appreciation in Scoil Stiofán Naofa and got to use the
recording studio while studying there - and I recorded a piece of music.
I have played at many family occasions, for Christmas concerts as
part of the Services and for a few informal sessions at my workplace.
I love listening to pop music in my free time and my favourite artist is
16
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 16 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Una O’Callaghan plays her recorder, Cork
17
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 17 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Jason Donovan. I have been to many live concerts in Dublin and Cork,
including Westlife and Lionel Ritchie. I have even met some of the
members of Westlife!
Éadaoin Curtin
I have known Ciara for nearly 20 years and during that
time she has performed at lots of events and concerts
that were organised through the Brothers of Charity.
Ciara has a beautiful singing voice and a great sense of
rhythm. She has an encyclopedic memory of popular
melodies and tunes, and she is particularly fond of
music from the 80’s. Ciara loves to watch music videos
on her iPad and loves to learn new songs and tunes that are in the popular
charts. Ciara would be a tough contender to beat in a music quiz and loves
to challenge others to a game of ‘Name that tune.’ I feel absolutely privileged
to have been part of some of Ciara’s musical journey so far and I’m sure that
music will continue to hold a most powerful place in her life.
Ciara O Riordan
My name is Ciara O Riordan. I am from Togher in Cork city originally. I
attend The Brook Day Centre in Douglas. My earliest musical memories
are from home when I was young and watching movies and listening to
music. I loved singing the song from ‘The Greatest American Hero.’ My
dad is a great singer and sings in a choir and I also sang in a choir for a
few years that was run by Pat Lynch.
I was in a music group that was run by Sean Forde in Lota in Hillcrest
day centre and enjoyed playing percussion instruments as part of this group.
I performed at various events that were run by Cork Music Works and
attended their weekly group. I also performed at many Brothers of Charity
events including singing for our Taoiseach Micheál Martin when he opened
The Brook Centre in Cork. I love all types of music but in particular pop
music and some of my favourite artists include Billy Joel, Elton John, Simply
Red and The Beach Boys. I have been to see Elton John live at The Marquee
and really enjoyed it. Listening to music always makes me feel good.
18
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 18 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Ciara O Riordan in Douglas, Cork
19
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 19 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Fiona Ryan
Eliza is a Limerick woman who adores music and
performance. She has attended a day service with the
Brothers of Charity Services Limerick since 2015.
Eliza comes across as quite a shy individual but
once music is involved she comes to life and her face
really lights up, her shyness all forgotten. She enjoys
performing with her group in Lonsdale Service and
loves taking part in shows especially at Christmas time.
Eliza Pentony
My niece got a ukulele for Christmas and I said I wanted one as well.
But my parents suggested that I start to play the piano instead as I
have a keyboard and I used to go to piano lessons a few years ago. So
I have started to play the piano again and my brother Alan, a music
teacher, is giving me lessons this year. I really enjoy playing and at the
moment I do finger warm ups and I have to practise my scales but I
don’t like that so much.
I love singing pop songs and really enjoy listening to Tina Turner,
Michael Jackson, ABBA and Bruno Mars - I even dressed up as Tina
Turner at one of our lively Halloween parties in Lonsdale, that was great
fun and everyone cheered! I join in a music session every other week with
Alex in my day service. In this we all sing different types of songs and I
enjoy listening to all of them. I also sing a few songs and I love it. A lot of
people from Lonsdale are joining in this session and we all love it.
Alan Pentony
I am a professional musician and have adapted to teaching remotely. It
was an ideal opportunity to offer piano lessons to my sister Eliza who
lives at home with my parents. All three of them have been ‘Cocooning’
at home since the first pandemic lockdown. Music has always been an
enormous interest to Eliza and me. The necessity to teach online has
been a blessing to connect with my beloved sister. We meet once a week
for a one-to-one lesson. She can be frustrated at not being able to play
20
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 20 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Budding pianist Eliza Pentony, Limerick
21
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 21 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
something straight away. The initial self citicism has been replaced with
jokes about the ‘wrong notes’ and learning how to deal with frustration
by being focused and calm.
Eliza’s confidence grows with every lesson. It fills me with great
satisfaction to hear her playing and enjoying learning the instrument and
to see the delight on her face at achieving incremental goals.
Mary Murrihy
Breda is a native of Kilkee, Co Clare. She currently
lives with some support of the Brothers of Charity
Services in her own apartment in Kilrush. She is a
natural dancer and will dance at every opportunity,
her favourite dance is ‘Shoe the Donkey’. She loves
to sing along with the song while dancing, she gets
great enjoyment from this and would dance all day
if she could! Breda can’t wait for dancing to open up after the Covid
lockdown. She will be the first on the floor in a fashionable outfit!
Breda Carmody
My name is Breda Carmody I’m from near Kilkee, Co Clare. I lived on
a farm with my brothers and sisters. I love the farm animals and had a
pet calf that I named Billy. When I was young I used to walk to school
with my sisters. I then moved to the Sisters of Charity in Lisnagry,
Limerick and went to school there. When I was 18 years old, I moved
to the Brothers of Charity in Ennis where I lived in a house with four
others. When the Brothers of Charity Services opened in Kilrush in 1995,
I moved there to be near my family. In 2003, I moved into my own
apartment with support from the Services. I enjoy living on my own. I got
a cat and I called her Bibi.
I now live in a house with two apartments. I live in one and my friend
Donie Dillon lives in the other. I like living on my own, but it’s also nice
to share outings like going to the pub to listen to music at the weekends
with my friends.
22
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 22 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Dancer Breda Carmody in Kilrush, Co Clare
23
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 23 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
I love visits from my family and I also visit their homes and attend
family gatherings. We are always on the phone to each other. I love to
waltz and jive. Mary Murrihy taught me how to dance ‘Shoe the Donkey’
and the Connemara set, which is my favourite. I like to dance in the
square in Kilrush when the open air Céilí is held there during the summer.
I like to go to the Dan Furey Festival in Labasheeda, Co Clare.
My favourite singer is Sean Keane and I attend lots of his concerts. I
always meet him afterwards to have a chat with him and take my photo
with him. I play all his CDs and DVDs. I’m looking forward to attending
his concerts again when lockdown finishes.
Mary Murrihy
Mary is a proud Clare woman from Doonbeg, Co
Clare and shares a lovely house with her friend Bernie
with a little support from the Brothers of Charity
Services. She is from a very musical family and loves
to sing. Mary loves attending traditional concerts and
staying overnight in a hotel. She will sing along to all
the songs and she has an ear for the lyrics. Mary is
great fun and brings life, laughter and happiness to all those around her.
Mary O’Dea
My name is Mary O’Dea. I’m from Doonbeg where I lived with mam and
dad and three brothers, until I was 12 when I moved to the Brothers of
Charity in Ennis. I lived in a house with four others.
In 1995 when the Brothers of Charity Services opened in Kilrush, I
moved there. I shared a house with 5 others from West Clare. It was nice
to be near so I could visit my family.
In 2013, I got an opportunity to experience living with just one other
person. We moved to an apartment. It was lovely there. Then I made a
choice to move again and decided to move to a house with my friend
Bernie O’Dea. We are still living in this house independently with support
from the Services This is a lovely area and we chat to our neighbours
every day. I help them by bringing in and out their bins.
24
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 24 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Singer Mary O’Dea in Kilrush, Co Clare
25
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 25 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
I worked in Supervalu two days a week for a few hours but I retired
two years ago. I miss the friends I made there. I attend the day service in
Kilrush and love to sew and knit but I miss this since the virus started.
I love flowers and the garden. I love to cut the lawn myself every
week. I come from a musical family. My cousin, Michael Falsey living
in Quilty is a very well known piper and teaches at the Willie Clancy
Summer School every year.
I love to sing, especially ‘My Lovely Rose of Clare’. It is one of my
favourite songs. I also like Johnny McEvoy and the Fureys. I love going
to concerts and singing along to all the songs. When I go, I usually stay
in a hotel for the night or for the weekend. I am looking forward to this
when the lockdown finishes up.
Mary Purcell
I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with
the fantastic Joseph O’Keeffe over the years, during
my time working in both BAILE and Pathfinders
in Waterford. Joe has a wealth of knowledge on all
things music- and film-related and enjoys sharing
that information. I think it is an honour when Joe
decides to share his thoughts and feelings with me
on all the things going on in the world, life and of course, music. His
tenacity for music is inspiring.
Q Joe, why does music mean so much to you?
A It’s my life. I was born into music – it’s in
my blood. Without music in our lives the world
would be dead. We use music to cheer ourselves
up, it’s used for ads on TV. Music is the world
and in the world, music will never die. I got
into music when I was 6 or 7. My father owned
two record shops in Waterford. I didn’t want
anything only music. I was reared in the 1960s
and we had music in school. I got my first decks when I was 10 and now
26
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 26 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
I have my music on my laptop. I worked on the radio for 8 years and
would have requests coming in. I did discos in Belmont and loads of pubs
around town. The Boat Club was my first gig and I really liked playing
in the Roanmore Centre and the Fitzwilton. I even have my own business
cards. Music cheers my up. But it doesn’t cheer up just me - it can cheer
anyone up. Music is a gift. Music is the biggest thing in my life.
Q What is your favourite year or time for music?
A I have no favourites, Mary – I like rock, pop, disco, 60’s, instrumental
– I love every kind of music. I like a couple of songs from the 50’s. I loved
Elvis Presley. I get music from all over the world and films too. There isn’t
a musical I don’t have. I have so many CDs – I have lots of favourites.
(Joe listed 18 songs, along with the years of their release and singers
including ‘When You Go to San Francisco’ by Scott McKenzie, ‘Karma
Chameleon’ by Boy George, and Eurovision Songs such as ‘In Your Eyes’
by Niamh Kavanagh).
Q Is music as good now as it used to be?
A Nah. Music has changed. Young people today don’t understand and
would say ‘Old music is no good’. They prefer Britney Spears, Kylie
Minogue and Lady Gaga - all these superstars. Older music had class –
cleaner and enjoyable. There are lots of sexual songs out there today. On
stage people are half dressed. Before, if you were in a band, you dressed
well. It’s a new world and a new fashion. When I perform for dinner
dances I don’t dress like a pauper. I couldn’t play in front of people like
that. But sure not everyone will like all music. That’s their choice. Can’t
force them. For me, music is a gift.
27
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 27 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers
Acknowledgements
Thank you to all the wonderful musicians and music lovers who gave of
their time so willingly to contribute to this booklet, Ciara O Riordan,
Una O’Callaghan, Pat McKenna, Mary O’Dea, Simon Chuwa, Bernadette
Lynch, Gerard Walsh, Eliza Pentony, Breda Carmody, Peter Kelly and
Joseph O’Keeffe.
A special thank you to all the staff members, volunteers and family
members, past and present, to our music teachers, therapists and tutors
who through their expertise and practice have provided huge support
to our featured musicians and to all the musicians and supporters in
the services in developing their musical talents. In particular we would
like to acknowledge Noreen Forde, Fiona Ryan, Mary Purcell, Alan
Pentony, Breda Murrihy, John Nugent, John Garvey, Rob McKahey,
Eoin Kelly, Clement Moylan, Therese Young, Mary Baker, Alan Hyland
and Maeve Murrihy.
A special thank you to Dr Evelyn Grant who has been immensely
influential in the promotion of inclusive music projects in Cork and
throughout the country for writing such an inspirational Foreword for
this Booklet.
We thank our series editor Patrick McGinley for the design and
layout of the Booklet and for always being at the end of the phone or
computer to give advice and guidance when needed throughout this
project. Finally, we appreciate everyone who assisted with managing
or supporting any aspect of the actual music in particular Stephen
McGinley who designed and set up its presentation and who introduces
it on YouTube.
‘Music is life itself.’ Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)
Éadaoin Curtin and Louis Quinlan, May 2021
28
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Patrick McGinley.indd 28 2021-04-30 1:35 PMCelebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers in
A Celebration of Quality in the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland
the Brothers of Charity Services
While fully recognising the need for continuous Service improvement, this
by Éadaoin Curtin & Louis Quinlan
Series celebrates the achievements of people supported by the Brothers of
Charity Services Ireland. It recognises, respects and applauds the tremendous
Peter Triest Publications commitment of every member of staff who - working individually and
Kilcornan House as team members in cooperation with the people we support, and with
Clarinbridge families, volunteers and local communities - achieve wonderful, sometimes
Co Galway, Ireland amazing, outcomes. We are happy to celebrate the level of success achieved
H91 K2E9 in implementing the Mission of the Brothers of Charity, ‘Providing quality
e-mail: petertriest.publ@bocsi.ie services to support people who are in danger of being marginalised... and
creating opportunities and choices that develop and maintain connected lives
ISBN 978-1-8382723-9-5 where all are cherished as valued and equal citizens in our communities.’
Copyright © Brothers of Charity, 2021 Patrick McGinley, Series Editor
In this Series
Barrett, L. (2021). SLT out of the Clinic and into Daily Life: Innovative
Speech and Language Therapy approaches promoting the use of AAC.
Music is a celebration of life, it creates connections with others Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
and it can be an important bridge that leads to genuine integration Brodie, S. (2021). Celebrating Blue Teapot Theatre Company. Clarinbridge,
within our communities. There have been many successful projects Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
led by some wonderful teachers and musicians across our services Curtin, É. & Quinlan, L. (2021). Celebrating Great Musicians and Music
that have been really positive experiences for everyone involved and Lovers in the Brothers of Charity Services. Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91
which have contributed to a real sense of personal fulfilment for K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
some of our great musicians and music lovers. Flynn, S., Hopkins, R. & Cahill, M. (2021). On the Street where I Live:
Éadaoin Curtin, May 2021 Celebrating having the key of my own front door. Clarinbridge, Co Galway,
H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
Hope, L. & Sexton, M. (2021). Celebrating Fine Art and Great Artists in
The Music the Brothers of Charity Services. Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter
To listen to the music of the Great Musicians just search YouTube Triest Publications.
for: BOCSIMUSIC Phelan, L. & O’Regan, H. (2021). The Dignity of Risk helps you Live your
Dream. Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
Power, C. & Flynn, S. (2021). Advocacy - Nothing about Us without Us in
Series Editor: Patrick McGinley the Brothers of Charity Services. Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter
Triest Publications.
Reilly, A. (2021). Home Sharing - Support from Wonderful Families.
Clarinbridge, Co Galway, H91 K2E9: Peter Triest Publications.
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Cover_Patrick McGinley.indd 2 2021-04-30 1:36 PMt M u sicians and
re a Mu
in gG sic
t Lo
ra
leb
ve
in the Brothers of Charity Services
rs
Ce
by Éadaoin Curtin & Louis Quinlan
6
10 14
24
22
20
26
12
Numbers
16 refer to a page
8 18
number in the
text.
Over 8,400 men, women and children received support from
the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland in 2020, with over
4,300 employees (about 3,500 wte) making it the largest
provider of support services for people with intellectual
disability in Ireland.
2642321 Bros of Charity Celebrating Great Musicians and Music Lovers Booklet_Cover_Patrick McGinley.indd 1 2021-04-30 1:36 PMYou can also read
