New community choir set up in Athlone

A NEW community choir is being set up in Athlone.

It is being formed by Clare McNally and is open to people of all ages and also those living with dementia and special needs.
'It’s an attempt to get people out of their homes and nursing homes and come together,' said Clare.
'Some people with dementia have nowhere to go and people who live in nursing homes or in their own homes also might have nowhere to go,' added Clare, who is Director of Nursing at the Stella Maris Nursing Home in Athlone.
She said the choir will be inclusive of everybody. 'Anyone who wants to come can come. It's for all ages.
Transition Year students might come along. We are hoping to bring as many people as possible together. Music fills the soul.
A lot of people can remember the songs from years ago but can't express themselves through talking,' said Clare.
She decided to set up the choir after seeing a similar initiative in Naas on a television programme, while she has a keen interest in singing, through her work with Drum church choir and through her involvement with Athlone Musical Society. 'I felt there was nothing like that (the Naas choir) in our locality. I love hearing people singing together,' she said.
'There isn't very much out there for people. It is nice for people to get out of the nursing home,' she added.
The choir will meet at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on the first and third Tuesday of each month, between 11am and 1pm.
There will be a small fee of €2 per meeting to cover the cost of tea and coffee.
For more information, phone Clare on 086 2097085 or John on 085 7845893.