RAMS Choir stirring renditions – Elated to be back performing for community
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A retired men’s choir sang stirring renditions of country and western songs and classic hits for older people in independent living communities in Chapelizod and Ballyfermot last month.
The Rathcoole-based Retired Active Men’s Social (RAMS) in Rhythm choir sang on green spaces opposite the residents’ homes as part of the Bealtaine Festival, which celebrates creativity as we age.
RAMS singing the hits last month
The 15-member choir, including musical director Liam O’Donnell, sang at Annamore Court in Chapelizod and at Claddagh Court in Ballyfermot at the invitation of Dublin City Council in May.
Matt Dowling from RAMS in Rhythm told The Echo: “We went along and sang out on the green when they were sitting on their verandas and drinking wine.
“We got so much good feedback from them that they’ve booked us to go back to four different locations in August.”
Last summer, the group entertained the residents of Aylmer Road in Newcastle with socially-distanced performances every second Saturday to keep their spirits up.
However, the choir is elated to be able to perform together for the wider community again.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant for all of us,” said Matt. “We’re all fully vaccinated, which makes a tremendous difference to us all, and meant we could all be together.
“We even sang at a green in Peamount Hospital last month, and we got a great response.”
The choir’s repertoire includes country and western songs and hits from the ’50s and ’60s, with ‘Hey Good Lookin’ being a particular crowd-pleaser.
RAMS in Rhythm are hoping to get back to performing at fundraisers as restrictions are lifted. Anyone who is interested in having the choir perform at charity or community events can contact Matt via email at matthewdowling@eircom.net
