Mike Hanrahan: A song sparked after a window visit to my mother during covid changed my life

Mike Hanrahan of Stockton’s Wing tells Helen O’Callaghan about a song sparked by an emotional window visit to his mum during covid, and how, on the night she died, he felt — and followed through — on a sense that he needed to change his life direction. It has led him to a deep exploration of the connection between the arts and brain health

Mike Hanrahan was inspired to write a song that changed his life after an emotional window visit to his mum during covid.

Autumn 2020, middle of covid, visiting my mother in a care home in Ennis; she had age-related dementia. The day was murky, dour, cold — almost wintry. The window was kind of weather-beaten, the top open for conversation. 

The nurse had so much humanity, doing her best to translate between us… It was difficult for all three of us. You knew conversation was impossible — you’re not close to somebody, can’t hug or kiss them, or whisper in their ear. The futility of it really struck me. Guilt then about feeling that way; guilt’s an aspect of caring.