Nenagh walkers dance for nursing home
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Members of the Nenagh Éire Óg Walking Group performing the ‘Jerusalema’ outside St Conlon’s nursing home.Image 2 of 3
Sisters Martina Cahill and Fiona Kenneally performing the dance in Toomevara.Image 3 of 3
Walking group members take a break at the water pump in Capparoe: Pauline Phelan, Marie Nagle, Mary Murphy, Jackie Holland, Bernie Gratton, Martina Cahill, Marian Minehan and Fiona Kenneally.The global ‘Jerusalema’ dance sensation has found its way to Nenagh with the making of a video in support of local nursing home residents.
Members of the Nenagh Éire Óg Walking Club were recently joined by friends in Kiladangan, Toomevara Greyhounds and Kilruane McDonaghs GAA clubs in making a ‘Jerusalema’ dance video. Shot in Nenagh, Dromineer, Cloughjordan and Toomevara, the video was recorded by Seán McTiernan and Enda O'Sullivan with the participants choreographed by dance teacher Sophie Hayes. Local dancer Doireann Kennedy also features.
Set up around three years ago as part of the ‘Healthy Club’ project, the Éire Óg walkers have a core group of around 20 members, joined by at least that many again for summer evening walks. They decided to put their own spin on the ‘Jerusalema’ phenomenon as a fundraiser for St Conlon's nursing home, where walking club member Elaine Flynn is working.
Bartley Ryan of Nenagh Éire Óg said the video has been very well received on You Tube and he hoped it would bring some cheer to residents of care homes everywhere at this difficult time. He said around 20 people were involved in the making of the video all told and the relevant permission was discussed with the authorities beforehand.
Sophie oversaw eight group training sessions and several more via Zoom before the filming commenced. Participants donned the jerseys of the four clubs represented and performed outside St Conlon's home, in Gill's Garden and the grounds of Nenagh Castle, and at Knocknacree Woods as well as Toomevara and Dromineer.
Bartley was happy to report that over €2,000 has been raised between the walking group's GoFundMe page and their own personal fundraising endeavours. He said the walkers have found that, despite the present difficulties, people in general are very supportive of local causes.
The money raised through this ‘Jerusalema’ fundraiser will be used to enhance the courtyard garden at St Conlon's, complete with plants for the residents to plant in tiered soil beds, something they can do while sitting or standing. The funding will also be used to replace a bird house and bird bath in the garden.
On behalf of everyone in the Éire Óg Walking Group, Bartley thanked all who facilitated the ‘Jerusalema’ video and supported the cause.
Donations can be made by searching for St Conlon's nursing home on the GoFundMe website, where you will also find a You Tube link to the ‘Jerusalema’ video.