Over-60s stars sing for Mount Cara residents

THE residents of Mount Cara nursing home were entertained by past winners and finalists of the Over-60s Talent Competition last week.

This crop of performers has entertained residents in both city and county nursing homes from the summer months into the winter, and were a massive hit with those in attendance.

Organiser Paddy O’Brien said that the nursing homes provide exceptional care for the residents, but they can experience loneliness at times.

“Residents get great care from the staff in these particular nursing homes, as some do experience loneliness on a daily basis,” he said. “I started the Over-60s back in 1977 to combat loneliness. Going to the homes now still keeps the Over-60s alive.”

The performers sang classic songs that were a major hit with the audience.

“The songs are big favourites of the elderly people,” said Mr O’Brien. “They are songs that bring back happy memories for the residents in these homes.”

Past winner Mary Conway, who had celebrated her 92nd birthday in July, opened the show.

Marian Collins, Billy Horgan, and Liam McCarthy, who are no strangers to the stage also performed for those in attendance.

Past finalists Kevin Cummins, Fred Lotty, and Tony Blackshields also dazzled the residents with their performances.

The Mount Cara residents were pleasantly surprised when their own George Busteed and his “lovely tender voice” blessed the stage.

Paddy also thanked Ger Bruton, who rocked the keyboard as always.