Age no barrier to talent at Over 60s Competition in Cork

Finalists in Ireland’s largest social event for senior citizens were feted yesterday ahead of the climax of the hugely popular Over 60s Talent Competition this weekend.

The 14 contestants were treated to lunch in Cork City as preparations and rehearsals continue for Sunday’s 39th staging of the final, in City Hall.

Event organiser Paddy O’Brien, who founded the competition in 1977 as a one-off bid to combat loneliness and isolation among elderly people, said he expects up to 1,000 people to attend.

“The Over 60s provides a great social outlet for thousands of senior citizens every year. There is a great camaraderie amongst the contestants. Great friendships have been made over the years. This, for me, is the magic of the Over 60s.

“We had a fantastic first night back in 1977. I still remember there was a very special atmosphere. I had been involved in shows all my life but there was something different about this.

“The press gave the event a great reaction and that really helped to build awareness. We ran it again in 1978 and we here are, in 2015, and the event has become bigger than I ever dreamed possible.”

The success of the event led to a partnership with RTÉ in the 1980s and the establishment of the Over 55 Entertainer of the Year, which ran for seven years as part of Live at Three, where Mr O’Brien worked closely with Thelma Mansfield and the late Derek Davis. “I have to say that Derek was an absolute gentleman. I will never forget his advice and support,” said Mr O’Brien.

Comedian Frank Forde will be among the guest performers on Sunday. Lord Mayor of Cork Mary Shields, Bishop John Buckley, and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney will attend.

Some tickets for the 8pm final, priced €15, are still available from Pro Musica on Oliver Plunkett St and at Blackpool Shopping Centre. The proceeds go to the Irish Heart Foundation. The event has raised over €460,000 for the charity over the years.