When music becomes purpose
Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council
Unsung Hero finalist: Joan Larkin
Joan Larkin has given 45 years of commitment to Athlone Musical Society, having been involved since 1981 as a stage performer and in a succession of voluntary roles behind the scenes which have helped keep the society thriving.
Joan has served as business manager, PRO, treasurer and vice-chairperson before taking on the chairperson’s role in 2019. She remained in that position for six years, up to May 2024.
Joan said that being chairperson involved overseeing a committee of around ten people, and also managing 40-50 other members of Athlone Musical Society.
“You need to have really good people skills but when you have a good team under you, you can delegate,” she said.
“It’s all about community and teamwork, and giving everybody a chance. If you give somebody a job to do, you must let them do that job.”
In the years she was chair, Joan stepped away from performing on stage, preferring to be at the front of house welcoming local audiences, and attending other activities representing the musical society, which is the oldest in the country.
One of Joan’s particular traditions was appearing on stage, addressing the audience and opening each nightly performance.
A happy highlight of her tenure was when the society returned to performance following the Covid interruption, they received news that they had been nominated for ten AIMS awards for the show, ‘All Shook Up’, and she was able to share the announcement with an enthusiastic audience.
“It was something very, very special. I won't ever forget that,” she said.
Describing her 45 years there, Joan said the society had provided her with her a social life, friendships and a wonderful sense of belonging.
She is now serving as business manager, and remains actively involved as preparations continue for the forthcoming production of The Wedding Singer.
She is very welcoming to a new generation of younger members coming through to the society and Joan is happy to see that the shows are in good hands.
However, after all her musical years, she still has no intention of calling time.
“I'm not done yet,” she says smiling.
The Unsung Hero award finalists are Doreen Holloway, Declan Grogan and Ray O'Reilly and Joan Larkin.
The Unsung Hero award is sponsored by West-Midlands Credit Union