Limerick singing duo bringing Christmas joy to nursing homes
TWO LIMERICK singers are spreading yuletide joy at nursing homes across the city and county in the lead-up to Christmas.
Tracy Costelloe from St Munchin's Parish and Andrea O'Rourke MacMahon from St Mary's Parish have teamed up to spread some joy through music at Limerick nursing homes.
“My own dad passed away last year and I used to volunteer in the nursing home. I took a break after that,” Tracy said.
“A lot of the people in the nursing home had dementia or were non-verbal but the minute the music and singing started, they’d remember all the old words to the old songs,” she added.
In the lead-up to Christmas this year, Tracy and Andrea who are both prominent singers for their local churches decided to lift the spirits of those living in nursing homes with some of their favourite songs.
“We just put an ad on Facebook if anyone wanted our services and we got a fabulous response,” Tracy said.
"We're singing all sorts from Christmas carols to the old classics," she added.
The singing duo don’t plan on stopping after Christmas though as they wish to continue singing in nursing homes long into the future.
“We’ve done St Camillus’ Nursing Centre, Athlunkard and Corbally Nursing home,” Tracy mentioned.
“From speaking to them they are actually crying out for people because music is amazing to them.
“It’s great therapy and they just come alive when we sing,” Tracy added.
About two years ago, Tracy and Andrea released an album called Remember Me which was in aid of Milford Hospice Care Centre.
The two raised a total of €3,500 for the care facility.