The Irish Pensioners Choir brings together older Irish people, most of whom are in their 70s and 80s. They come from all over Ireland and have made their homes here in London over many decades.  The choir also welcomes any older person who loves Irish songs, whatever their background - all are welcome.

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Aims and Objectives

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• Brings friendship through songs, music and culture, to older people

• Empowers older people to enjoy life

• Tackles isolation and loneliness

• Gives joy and companionship in older years

• Keeps people active and engaged in their communities 

• Is an inclusive choir - supporting older people with dementia and mobility issues who wish to be part of the choir

• Is open to all older people who enjoy singing Irish songs and being part of Irish culture 

• Works in partnership with Irish Elderly Advice Network to ensure choir members needing welfare, housing, and other financial support are assisted to access their entitlements

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Background

 

The choir was founded in 2000  in London by Sally Mulready OBE, who, now retired, is a member of the choir herself. The choir's is very fortunate to work with Billy Faughnan, acclaimed musician, who accompanies the choir on keyboard at our rehearsals and performances. 

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The choir is supported by the Irish Elderly Advice Network charity. Our partnership with the Irish Elderly Advice Network charity has enabled us to give help and support to older people through their advice services, lunch clubs, and housing services.

The choir has performed for audiences of tens of thousands including on RTE filmed at the RDS in Dublin as part of Ireland 100 - An Old Song Re-Sung - a celebration of the centenary of the Irish state in Dublin in 2023, the London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square for several years, as part of the Irish community choir in the Royal Albert Hall in honour of President Michael D Higgin’s state visit to Britain in 2014. They have sung on UK television, including with Sir Terry Wogan on ITV and on the BBC’s The  Last Leg. They have performed on RTE Radio and Television and were regularly played by Donncha Ó Dúlaing on the very popular Fáilte Isteach (10 pm on Saturday evenings on RTÉ Radio 1). 

 

The choir have recorded two beautiful albums of old Irish songs, Songs of Love and Emigration and Songs of Love and Emigration 2.

 

The Irish Pensioners Choir has become a much loved and celebrated part of the Irish community, young and old, here in London and back home in Ireland.