Killorglin Mens’s Social Choir

Description

The Killorglin Men’s Social Club began operating in a building in the Fairfield, Killorglin in 2012. The group have a walking club, a card game night and to cover the expenses of the club they sell fire kindling made from old pallets. Following a suggestion from a member “why don’t we form a choir” the Killorglin Men’s Social Club Choir was established. Club has 55 members 27 of which are involved in the Choir.
The Choir meet every Wednesday evening in St Michaels Church Killorglin and regularly perform in public or hold fund raising concerts: The choir now have numerous performances under their belts and to name but a few
• Local nursing homes.a
• INEC Killarney
• St James Church Killorglin – Christmas
• The Older Peoples Council Convention Rose Hotel May 2023
• With the Castleisland Secondary School Choir in both St James Church Killorglin and Castleisland to raise money for The Kerry Cork Health Link Bus and raised €3,699 for the Charity.
• St Michaels Church Killorglin with Imperial College, London, Male Voice Choir.
• Christmas carols for Ukrainian families staying in Killorglin.

Aim of Initiative

The main aim of the Choir was to establish a social outlet for the club members. An outlet that does not revolve around going to the pub. An initiative where comradery is built, and the craic is had by all. Members are from all different backgrounds and nationalities, with members from Wales, England, South Africa and now Ukraine.
The choir encourages men of all abilities to join, be that physical or singing abilities. When travelling to events no one is left out and pick ups etc are arranged.

Who is it aimed at

The choir is aimed at men of all ages; however, most of the members are over 55.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Creating an environment and was fun for all members, which encouraged members to continue going to practice and events.
2. Acceptance of all singing abilities, the choir is welcoming of all whether a member can sing or not, it is about the taking part and enjoyment of the practice and events.
3. Finding a space for practice that was not a bar/pub function room. A space that was free from alcohol. St Michaels Church Killorglin is that space, creating a social outlet that does not revolve around a pub.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Covid was challenge in that members were no longer able to meet for practice.
2. Members had to overcome nervousness and shyness when performing in public.
3. Encouraging new members to join the Choir.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Emotional/Psychological Benefits Singing lowers cortisol and relieves stress and tension. Studies have shown that when people sing, endorphins and oxytocin are released by the brain which in turn lowers stress and anxiety levels.
2. Health benefits from being in a choir:
   * Stimulates the immune response
   * Increases pain threshold
   * Improves lung function
   * Enhances memory in people with dementia
   * Helps improve speaking abilities.
3. Over the years the choir has raised money for many charities the latest of which is the Kerry Cork Health Link Bus. The health link bus brings cancer patients from all over Kerry to Cork University Hospital for treatment.