VIDEO: Specsavers host exclusive St Patrick’s Day concert at Bethany House Nursing Home
The national St Patrick’s Day Parade returned to the streets of Dublin this year for the first time since 2019 but while organisers promised a huge and ambitious event, not everyone was able to enjoy the festivities and live music in person, especially those within hospitals or care homes.
Knowing this, Specsavers wanted to play their part in giving a deserving local community, hospital, or care home the opportunity to connect with others on St Patrick’s Day and enjoy an exclusive live concert with showband legend George Hunter and the Galaxy Band, accompanied by support acts Bernie and Tony.
Specsavers did a call out on their social media channels, asking their followers to submit names of nursing homes, care home and hospitals that deserved the exclusive live concert.
After receiving a large number of entries, Bethany House Nursing Home in Tyrrellspass came out on top.
Madeline Corboy, owner and manager at Bethany House Nursing Home, said: “Huge thanks to Specsavers Ireland for giving the residents the best day in two years – it outshone all our expectations.
“It was fun and full of life and joy. Music transcends all abilities and disabilities and some residents suffering with dementia are still talking about the concert, and I think that that alone will testify to the amazing positive effect the live performances and personal interactions had on all the residents.
“We feel so blessed to be the lucky participants to have been given this fantastic uplifting experience.”
Specsavers Ireland chairman, Kerril Hickey, said: ‘Specsavers is all about community and supporting those within our communities. We were so happy to be able to brighten up the residents’ day and leave them with memories that they can cherish.
“Music and entertainment are a huge part of our everyday lives, so we were delighted to be able to give this exclusive concert to a deserving community group, nominated by the people of Ireland.”
Jean Lynch, a resident at Bethany House Nursing Home spoke highly of the concert. “The music was absolutely beautiful. I have loved music every day of my life. It goes right to your heart and lets you emphasise all of your emotions.”