Kennedy sisters release duet in aid of Family Carers Ireland
By Aideen O'Flaherty
RTÉ star Mary Kennedy has released a duet with her sister, singer Deirdre Kennedy, to raise funds for Family Carers Ireland.
Clondalkin woman Mary, a former pupil of and teacher in Coláiste Bríde, sings on ‘Life is a Beautiful Dance’, which was written by celebrated songwriter Don Mescall.
Deirdre & Mary Kennedy
Don said the inspiration for the song came about when he and his 96-year-old mother were watching Mary dancing on the hit TV show ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
He said: “I happened to catch my good friend, the lovely Mary Kennedy, dancing a beautiful waltz with her partner John Nolan.
“I remembered my mother telling me that herself and my late father would always find time before he left for work every morning to waltz on the kitchen tiles.
“That was where the idea came for the song. As I watched Mary and John dancing and visualised my mother and father.”
Don then tracked a demo of the song, and asked the sisters if they would be up for singing on it and releasing it as a Christmas charity single.
Mary said: “When Don phoned me to say he had composed a song for me, I was surprised and genuinely honoured.
“He is a hugely talented songwriter and I have admired his work since I met him a few years ago to film with him for ‘Nationwide’.
“‘Life is a Beautiful Dance’ is a lovely reminder for me of a life-enhancing experience on DWTS with the amazingly talented John Nolan.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to record this with my dear sister Deirdre. Together we decided to use it to raise money for Family Carers Ireland, a charity close to my heart.”
Deirdre added: “It’s such a special thing to sing a song together, and given its message and melody it will hopefully cheer the hearts of many, and get them dancing in their homes, streets and communities.”
For Catherine Cox, head of communications and carer engagement at Family Carers Ireland, the song comes as an early Christmas boost.
“Being a family carer is a difficult job but one done with willingness and love,” she said.
“This year has been particularly hard for many of our 355,000 carers. Times have been very difficult and there has been a huge increase in demand on our Hardship Fund so money raised through this song will be a very welcome boost.
“Mary has been our Patron for many years and we are delighted that she, Deirdre and Don chose to support us.”
People can download ‘Life is a Beautiful Dance’ for 99 cent on ditto.fm/life-is-a-beautiful-dance.
For further details on how to donate to Family Carers Ireland visit www.familycarers.ie.
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