Country stars help Clann Mór send kindness message

Irish country music stars have joined forces with residents in Clann Mór in Navan, which supports people with intellectual disabilities to live in the community, to make a positive video about people in Ireland and how we all need to be kinder and more respectful to each other.

Country musicians who bought into the project from the outset were Daniel O’Donnell, Matt Leavy, Jimmy Buckley, Derek Ryan, Michael English, Claudia Buckley and Nathan Carter. Ned Rispin, service manager, said: “Once the musicians heard about the message we were trying to send, it was an open door, and they stepped right in.”

The residents wanted to highlight specific messages. David said he “has the same rights as everybody else in Ireland”. Michael English endorsed this message. Nathan Carter talked about his “plans, dreams and goals”, which Philip agreed with. Claudia Buckley and Judy talked about “changing the world with one random act of kindness at a time". Daniel O’Donnell said that he believed that “every person has ability”. This statement was repeated by Margaret, who works, lives independently, loves country music and reading poetry.

Meath County Council provided the funding for this project and Shay Casserly created the video, but the stars of the show were the residents who had a message they wanted to send around Ireland and the world. After months of getting all the videos together, Shay did his magic and created a video with a strong message. Martine Healy, Director of Services with Clann Mór said: “I felt this was an excellent project that came from the residents who were very passionate about this message”.

The residents in Clann Mór are asking everyone to spread this positive message by sharing their video on Facebook - clannmormeath