This article is from page 21 of the 2006-10-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
IMELDA King Kennedy believes we all have a purpose in life and for her that means giving help to those who need it most.
Imelda has just released a CD entitled “Amazing Grace” in aid of the Alzeihmers society of Ireland.
Imelda has lived in Ennis for over 20 years and from her work with the Soroptimists International Society has worked closely with people providing care for people suffering from Alzeihmers.
Through providing quality dementia-specific care and supporting carers and families, the Alzeihmers Society of Ireland raises public awareness about the condition
Today, more than 35,000 people in Ireland have dementia, of which Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease increases with age with its prevalence rising from approximately 1% in people under 65 years old to more than 25% for those over 80 years. Although rare and more commonly associated with older age, Alzheimer’s Disease can also occur in people in their 40’s and 50’s.
A voluntary worker for 28 years, Imelda says she received the inspiration for recording the album after observing first hand the dedication of staff and of families dealing with Alzeihmers.
“I was motivated and inspired to record the album by people I know and those who care for those with Alzeihmers. My purpose in life is to serve for the betterment of others. I have a purpose in life, a special talent to sing, a unique gift to give to others. When I channel this gift for the service of others, I experience the joy and exultation of my own spirit”
It was always inevitable that Imelda would be involved in music. As a young girl in Newmarket, music played an important role in the family home. At the age of six she was already performing for school and church choirs.
Imelda trained as a singer under the tutelage of Dr Veronica Dunne in Dublin and also with Mary Fulham and Olive Cowper. She attended the Ursuline Convent in Thurles and went on to graduate from the Royal Irish Academy.
Imelda has also enjoyed success on the festival circuit, winning awards at Feile Luimni and Feis Cheoil.
Apart from performing regularly with the Cathedral Choir in Ennis and the Clare Music Circle in Newmarket-on-Fergus Imelda practices a form of musical therapy known as Spirit of the Voice.
Spirit if the Voice deals with a concept known as microtonal healing, a process where the tone of the voice is used for therapeutic purposes.
“The sacredness of the voice has long been recognised in prayerful utterance, song and word and breadth convey the power of the creator and can be used as a transformer and healer” says Imelda.
Sales of Amazing Grace have been going well and Imelda now plans to record a second album in aid of the Alzeihmers Unit in the Clarecastle Day Care Centre. Amazing Grace is on sale at the offices of the Alzeihmers society at the Clonroad Business Park. Copies can be purchased Price: €10 including lunch
by contacting Imelda 087 278 6717.
childhood care and education.