Claremorris students bring music and fun to local nursing homes

A group of Transition Year students from Mount St Michael Secondary School in Claremorris brought music, joy and companionship to residents of several local nursing homes last week, as part of a special Christmas community initiative that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

The students visited nursing homes in Ballindine, Hollymount, Knock and Claremorris over the course of a full day, performing Christmas songs, playing instruments and spending time chatting with residents. The initiative was inspired and organised by Community Garda John Monaghan, who also provided transport for the group, allowing them to reach several locations.

The performances included a wide variety of festive favourites, with students singing both a cappella and with musical accompaniment. Instruments used during the visits included tin whistle, flute, concertina and keyboard, with residents frequently joining in by clapping, singing along and, in some cases, performing themselves.

Student Ellen Trench from Ballindine told the Western People that the group sang “maybe 10 or 15 Christmas songs” at each of the visits. She said the reaction from residents was very positive. 

“Most of the residents seemed really happy. They enjoyed it,” she said. “I really enjoyed it as well. I feel like we made the residents happier.” 

Molly Jordan from Garrymore said the experience was meaningful for the students, both musically and personally. 

“I thought it was nice that we were doing something good and that they really enjoyed it,” she said.

Another student, Rachel Eagney from Ballindine, said the visits had a positive emotional impact on her.

“I really enjoyed it,” she said. “I felt better about my Christmas because I helped some more people out and made their days a bit brighter.” 

Rachel also spoke warmly about the welcome they received. 

“The residents were very nice to us, and the caretakers are very good. I think they’re very good at their job,” she said.

For Zoe Diskin, also from Ballindine, the experience was her first time inside a nursing home. 

“I really enjoyed it, going around to all the nursing homes and singing for them,” she said. “They seemed to really enjoy it.” 

She admitted she had expected a different environment. “I kind of expected more of a hospital feel, but it was a lot nicer and more homely than that,” she said. 

Zoe performed both vocally and on the tin whistle, playing ‘Shoe the Donkey’ along with several Christmas carols. 

“I’ve been playing the tin whistle for a good few years now,” she added.

Garda Monaghan explained that the idea for the visits came during the recent Presidential election when Gardaí attended nursing homes to facilitate voting. 

“I thought it would be a lovely thing to get students to go in and sing and play a bit of music at Christmas for residents.” 

He approached Mount St Michael Vice Principal, Anne-Marie Concagh, with the idea and said the response was immediate. 

“Straight away, she was extremely enthusiastic,” he said. 

Garda Monaghan was able to provide a community bus, removing what he described as a major barrier due to the high cost of transport.

“The only problem we had was that we didn’t have enough seats on the bus,” he said. “All the girls were so eager to be involved. We could only take 13 students, but you could easily have had 30 or more.” 

The group began their day early, gathering at the school around 9.30am before setting off at 10am. Their first stop was Marion House in Ballindine, followed by Hollymount Nursing Home. Garda Monaghan then brought the students to Claremorris Garda Station for lunch, where they were also given a brief tour.

The group then continued on to Sonas and the Queen of Peace Nursing Home in Knock, before finishing the day at Claremont Nursing Home in Claremorris. They returned to the school shortly before 4pm.

Garda Monaghan said the students grew in confidence as the day progressed. 

“They were nervous at the start,” he said. “But by the time we reached the final nursing home, they were phenomenal - interacting with residents, chatting to staff, and really engaging.” 

He praised the staff and management of all the nursing homes visited, describing them as “absolutely brilliant” and commending the care they provide. He also admitted to joining in himself. 

Reflecting on the wider value of the visit, Garda Monaghan said it was important to recognise older generations. 

“It’s important to give something back," he said, adding that he hopes to make the initiative an annual event.

Teacher Laura Brogan, who accompanied the students, said the visit brought important lessons beyond the classroom.

“Wellbeing is a huge part of the curriculum,” she said. “But last week we got to see it in action, rather than just talking about it.” 

She said the students gained valuable insight through simple interactions. 

“It was the small gestures - saying hello, asking how someone was, singing the songs residents wanted to hear,” she said. “Some residents even got up to sing or dance. It was lovely to see.”

 Ms Brogan added that the enthusiasm among students was striking. 

“So many wanted to go that we had to narrow it down. That says a lot,” she said.

The school has praised the TY students for their conduct, musicianship and engagement throughout the day, and extended thanks to Garda Monaghan and the nursing homes for facilitating such a positive and memorable community experience.