On Sunday last (15th December) a group of orchestral musicians from Poetry travelled to Cherryfield Nursing home for retired Jesuits in Milltown. Our aim was to entertain the residents and to get them into the Christmas spirit.
Most of this group of musicians had been to Cherryfield last year and were familiar with the run of things. We set up as soon as we arrived and played a number of Christmas carols and songs including Silent Night, The First Noel, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bells, etc. The atmosphere was great and the residents seemed to thoroughly enjoy the performance. Afterwards, we spent some time chatting to the residence over a few mince pies. There were some very interesting conversations including those with a retired Clongowes Headmaster, Fr Paddy Crowe, and also a priest who spent 27 years in Zambia.
Many thanks to the Rector, Fr. Michael Sheil SJ for organizing the trip and treating everyone to McDonalds afterwards! Thanks to Mr. Philip and Ms. Theresa Thomas for organizing the music and the rehearsals and to Mr. Mason (missing from photo) for accompanying us on piano. To the staff and residents at Cherryfield for their hospitality and to the students themselves: Mark Thomas, James Caffrey, Tim Burke, Darren Cormican, Fionnan Madden, Sam Gallagher, Robbie White and Conor Breslin (also missing from photo).
It was a great day enjoyed by all. The expectations will be high from the Jesuits for next year!
Fionnan Madden
