Cork hurler Fergal McCormack pictured during the Guinness All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final match between Cork and Offaly at Croke Park in 1999. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Mallow GAA Complex will be the venue for a free ‘Cork GAA Afternoon of Memories’ next Monday, 18th September from 2.30pm-4.30pm. People of all ages, including those living with dementia, are invited to come along to relive great sporting moments from the past.
Special guest Fergal McCormack will speak about being part of the 1999 All-Ireland-winning Cork hurling team. Other great former GAA players will be also attending and there will be archived footage and memorabilia to help trigger memories for those living with dementia and their families.
Dementia advocate and author Kevin Quaid, who lives in Kanturk and was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2016 at the age of 52, said: “Community, loyalty and family – that’s what the GAA is all about. That’s also what dementia is all about and the Cork GAA Afternoon of Memories is going to be a day to treasure. There isn’t a household in Cork where there aren’t great memories of sport; whether you played at club level, or county level, or just watched from the sideline. People are passionate about the GAA.
“When it comes to people with dementia, two things that you never lose is a feeling, or how someone made you feel, and that is what makes the GAA and this day so special. Arts, music, sport – a person with dementia might not be able to tell you they remember every word of a song, or every second of a particular game, but you’ll see it in their eyes – or by their smile.
“People don’t want to be known by their medical diagnosis, they want to be known as a beautiful painter, a Joe Dolan fan, or passionate GAA fan – let’s remember that! People can recall every puck of that game when Fergal McCormack won the All-Ireland in 1999 and that memory will be with the people of Cork for life. I can’t wait, it’s going to be an amazing day,” he said.
Chairman of Mallow GAA Paddy Sheahan said: “We fully support this initiative and look forward to welcoming everyone to Carrigoon on Monday the 18th.”
Cork Kerry Community Healthcare’s North Cork Dementia Alliance isdelighted to be teaming up with Mallow GAA Club to host the Cork GAA Afternoon of Memories. Sheena Cadoo, HSE Occupational Therapist with the North Cork Dementia Alliance, said: “This free afternoon event is the first of its kind in Cork and it’s going to be a very special day in Mallow for sports fans! We are hoping that people who have Cork GAA memorabilia – such as old jerseys, medals or hurleys – will bring them along on the day, for others to enjoy. We encourage anyone who has an interest in GAA, especially those living with dementia, to join us on the day to relive great sporting moments.”
Booking for this event is essential, please email sheena.cadoo@hse.ie or textwen 086 787 1818. For more information on North Cork Dementia Alliance, go to www.ncdementiaalliance.ie. To find out about dementia services all over Cork, follow on social media; Cork Dementia Services on Facebook or @corkdementiaservices on Instagram.