Cherished memories shared in song
SPENDING time with a loved one is not something anyone should take for granted. Those lucky enough to have enjoyed their childhood in the company of their grandparents can vouch for it being some of the best days of their lives.
You never know when a conversation with an elderly grandparent, uncle, aunt or cousin will be the last one, meaning each moment you spend together needs to be cherished. Sadly, many eventually become a different person because of issues such as dementia.
A new song from a Corofin artist looks to recapture those happier memories people had with their now ageing family members. Dylan Connolly, who releases music under the name of Konno, will debut his latest single, T.O.M, later this month.
An abbreviation of This Old Man, as well as the name of his grandfather Tom McGuire, the track is a celebration of the life of the 91-year-old.
Dylan spent much of his childhood helping him out on his farm, hearing his stories, visiting his friends in the village, chatting and joking about life out in the fields or counting cattle from the bottom of the garden. He still regularly visits him to this day.
“My grandfather was always someone I saw as being very youthful. Despite his age, he was just full of life and laughter, always very supportive too. We had great times together,” Dylan told The Tuam Herald.
“He has dementia now, so can’t tell me the great stories I enjoyed hearing out on the farm as a kid. I’m writing this song from the perspective of my grandfather when he was sound in body and mind, so those great days I had with him live forever in song.”
Read the full feature in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or buy our digital edition here