Homeless record Simon fundraising CD

HARMONICA legend Don Baker helped launch a unique album yesterday featuring the talents of homeless people.

Baker was joined at Cork’s Triskel centre by his old friend and Fáilte Towers winner, John Creedon, to promote the CD, launched as part of Cork Simon’s seven days of action on homelessness campaign.

The album, entitled Journey, is by Claddagh Rogues — a group of musicians and songwriters who are residents and service users of Cork Simon Community.

They performed several tracks from the album during the lunchtime event.

And Baker thrilled the musicians by joining in on guitar for one of the songs.

Claddagh Rogues was formed after an artist-in-residency programme funded by the Ireland Funds, the worldwide charity.

The programme was extended with support from Cork City Council’s community arts development fund.

It was designed to promote positive social interaction for people who had experienced extreme social exclusion, to help them develop group interaction and social skills, and to create a positive alternative to their sometimes destructive lifestyles.

Claddagh Rogues, which features Mags Kelly, James O’Flynn, Ber Sadlier and Loui van Gelder, worked together on a weekly basis at Simon’s Anderson’s Quay complex.

They recorded Journey over two days in August at Christ Church in Cobh.

Musician and group facilitator Kevin O’Shannahan described it as “a lyrical album”.

“This was an opportunity for people to explore their creativity, to take part in a positive activity, and by doing so, build their confidence and self-esteem,” he said.

“This could never have happened without the enthusiasm and support of so many people, especially Anne Luttrell at Triskel, Cork City Council arts officer, Liz Meany and her team, the producers, John and Louise, and the Church of Ireland in Cobh.

“People helped with design, printing and CD copying. Securing Triskel for a lunchtime performance was an enormous boost to the group. Don Baker agreeing to launch the CD was the icing on the cake.”

Tracks on the album include Who Am I, Who? written by James O’Flynn — a song that questions why people end up in different situations.

One Thing is a touching love song written by occasional group member, Brian Cunningham.

Producers John Crone and Louise McCormick worked with Claddagh Rogues on the project.

* Journey, €7, is available from www.corksimon.ie