President hails Cork Over 60s as a national inspiration
Cork’s Over 60s Talent Competition, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has helped older citizens find the joy in life, President Mary McAleese said.
She also praised competition founder and organiser, Paddy O’Brien, for his work on the event, and for campaigning on issues affecting the elderly over the last three decades.
“You have cracked the formula Paddy,” said President McAleese, addressing contest winners and friends during a celebration in the Imperial Hotel.
“Growing old shouldn’t be uncomfortable. Here our senior citizens feel revered, respected, loved and that their contribution to us is vital,” she said.
The President said Mr O’Brien had created a competition which strikes a balance between elderly men and women.
She highlighted that men in this age group who live alone and suffer from loneliness are at risk of suicide.
“But you have tapped into something here that draws people out. You have helped create this wonderful thing. Your gift to us is to find the joy in life,” she said.
Ms McAleese recommended that the event be rolled out to communities across the country.
Three former winners of the competition and a finalist in this year’s finale which takes place next week, entertained the President.
Former soccer referee Sammy Spillane, aged 84, from Evergreen Street, who won the contest in 1989, sang Lovely Dearest. Joy McAlavey, a winner in 1999, sang Vienna My City of Dreams, and 86-year-old two-time winner Francie O’Keeffe from Blackrock sang The Song That Reached My Heart.
Mary Kennedy from the Glen, who at 80 will be this year’s oldest finalist, sang Around the Campfire.
Mr O’Brien paid tribute to his family, his sons Brian and Ronan who flew in from London for yesterday’s event, and to his late wife, Pat, for their tremendous support over the years.
“I started this competition in 1976 to combat the loneliness suffered by older people and as an outlet for their talents,” he said.
“It has gone from strength to strength over the years and it is great that the President has honoured us here today with her presence.”
Fourteen singers will take part in this year’s final of the competition in City Hall’s concert hall on June 11. Tickets for the event are sold out.
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