'We support people who support people who can’t support themselves'

Parking was at a premium in Mullingar last Tuesday evening as the crowd gathered for the annual Carers Concert in the Greville Arms Hotel. More than 460 people were in the hotel function room to hear a stellar line-up of professional artists perform for free.

One of those topping the bill was Robert Mizzell, the Louisianan who has played on the world stage for many years and has made Ballinagore his home. He scotched rumours that he is “gone off the road”, but confessed that he is “taking a step back”, now that he is a grandfather in his mid-50s.

Robert said the role of Family Carers is vital. “It is important that we support people who support people who can’t support themselves,” he said.

He remarked that Irish people are unique – “When you ask me how I am, I tell you. Ask an Irish man and he will say ‘I’m grand’, and he might not be – so reach out”.

As the night got going, the crowd soon started joining in, singing, toe tapping and then dancing in the aisles, first jigging about, then waltzing and later jiving and line dancing.

MC Johnny Corroon has been involved with the concert since it started and he said that, looking around, he saw people who had been at every one of the shows for the last 22 years.

He applauded Billy Mac, who had started it all, saying the amount of money he raised from the concerts over the years was phenomenal. He applauded Camillus Egerton and Chris Loughrey for taking up the baton when Billy stepped down two years ago.

Johnny’s thanks included the local media, Fagan’s Fast Print, the Greville Arms Hotel, and Kevin and team at WTF Gig Guide Mullingar. He also thanked photographer John Finnerty, Dan McLoughlin and his crew at MCL Sound Hire, and Midland 103 radio.

Camillus Egerton announced that 460 patrons had come through the door on the night. He thanked them and the many others who had bought tickets but could not attend.

“We knew this morning that this was going to be big,” Chris Loughrey said, as he announced plans for next year’s concert, on April 6.

Caroline Poole of Mullingar Family Carers has been involved with the concert since it started in 2002. She paid tribute to Billy Mac, Noel O’Farrell and Midland 103 radio for getting it going. “The difference it has made to family carers and the organisation is incredible,” she told the Westmeath Examiner.

“The concert has been fantastic as a fundraiser, clearing at least €8,000 a year because the artists perform for free,” Caroline said. She stressed that the concert was not just a fundraiser – it was an opportunity to create public awareness of the role played by family carers. “A lot of carers don’t realise they are carers and so don’t look for help,” she pointed out.

The Family Carers group lobby for carers, are advocates on their behalf, and provide training and education especially tailored to the needs of carers. They provide respite to give carers a break and they provide a listening ear when carers call for help, Caroline pointed out.

She thanked Chris Loughrey and Camillus Egerton, the performers and all who “give their time so generously”. She also thanked the Greville Arms Hotel and Fagan’s Fast Print for their support and all those who bought tickets for the concert.