Claire's songs in aid of Crocus cancer support, Monaghan

Claire Mc Cabe (nee O'Connell) lived with and fought a GBM brain tumour for 16 months. She died on the 9th of April 2019. Throughout her treatment she faced all treatment and surgeries with bravery and poise. Claire had many interests and enjoyed her work as a family support worker for the ICPO charity. Upon receiving the diagnosis of Claire's terminal illness one Friday we returned home to Monaghan in shock. Not knowing what else to do the following Monday we went into Crocus. The wonderful Mary Callery, on her day off, travelled in to meet us when we turned up unannounced. She spoke to Claire for over two hours and Claire came back out to me her own self ready to fight and live on her terms. Over the course of Claire battle with cancer Crocus provided her an outlet to remain active and engage in meaningful activities, without being seen as a patient all the time. They helped her retain her dignity and independence, which was so critical to her fight. After Claire's death they offered me, her husband, counselling support allowing me to fulfil a promise I had made to Claire. This wonderful service is completely reliant on the generosity of the public.

Claire loved trad music and was a fine singer. To learn songs she would often record herself to help her improve. Following her death I gathered up every partial recording I could and with the help of the amazing Janet Treanor and Tommy Flack these were filtered through for quality and potential. In the end 13 recordings were selected, Janet then spent a year arranging the music to create this inspiring collection of tunes and gathering extremely talented musicians from Monaghan and further afield, with Tommy and Janet producing.

The CD will be launched on the 1st of November in the Westenra Hotel in Monaghan Town at 7pm. All are welcome. However if you cannot make it and wish to donate to this project please do so here.

If you donate €15 or more and wish to have a CD sent to you, please message Claire's facebook with your postal address and I will send you a CD or usb with the album on it digitally, alternatively add it to your message here privately. Please note there will be no posting until after the launch night, and please specify if you prefer the CD or usb option (while stocks last!).

Thank you in advance,

Enda Mc Cabe

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Crocus Cancer Support Centre and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Crocus Cancer Support Centre: Cancer Peer Support Centre