Senior citizens urged to ‘let their inner star shine’
CORK OVER 60’S TALENT COMPETITION TO RETURN TO MALLOW WITH HEAT SET FOR THIS MONTH
LAST April Kilbrin lady Norah May O’Riordan stormed the stage of the City Hall to bring the much-coveted 2019 Cork Over 60’s Talent Completion crown to North Cork.
With the 2020 edition of the competition looming large on the horizon, people from across North Cork have been urged to ‘ let their inner star shine’ and, perhaps, follow in Norah May’s footsteps.
Competition founder, the effervescent octogenarian Paddy O’Brien, was in North Cork on Monday to launch the Mallow heat of this year’s competition, which will take place in the Garden Room at the Hibernian Hotel on Thursday, February 20 at 8pm.
Speaking at the well attended launch in the Hibernian Hotel, Paddy said he was delighted the competition would be returning to Mallow and paid tribute to the late Billy Walsh who had organised the local heat for more than 15-years.
“I also want to thank the new organising committee of Mecca Barrett, Gerry O’Callaghan and Tadhg Curtis for the work they have put into preparing heat.
I would like to stress that the heat is not just confined to senior citizens from Mallow. No matter where you reside as long as you are over 60 years of age you can participate in the Mallow local heat,” said Paddy.
“It is also important to note that contestants do not need to confine themselves to singing only. If you can sing, dance, play an instrument or tell a funny story you are welcome to participate,” he added.
To register for the Mallow heat contact Mecca Barrett on 086 7314616 or Gerry O’Callaghan on 086 3424720.
Paddy founded the competition in 1977 to help combat isolation among the elderly and raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.
“As people age, it’s more likely that they will lose touch with the people around them through no fault of their own. This can lead to peoples’ lives becoming increasingly more solitary. The Over 60’s Talent Competition actively combats this by encouraging people to get out and get involved again with people of a similar age and similar circumstances,” he said.
Paddy said he had been privileged to witness at first-hand the positive impact the competition can have on the lives of older people across Cork time and time again.
“It provides a sense of connection and camaraderie for people. Aside from the social inclusion element the competition provides, it also creates the opportunity to revive old songs, and gives amateur performers the experience of what it’s
like to put on and be part of a professional show.”
Heats will take place at venues across the county over the coming months, with the grand final taking place at the city Hall on Sunday, May 24.
For more information about the competition and dates and locations of the other heats contact Paddy O’Brien on 086 810 5585.