by Paddy Walsh

JUST months before dementia was carrying her closer to the end, Nellie O’Donnell was listening to her daughter, Evelyn, singing.

“She was very ill at the time and I was singing some old songs that she had heard her father sing. And then I would stop during a song and she’d come in on the spot and not miss a beat.

“It was incredible but apparently the musical part of the brain is not affected even in the throes of dementia. It fascinated me, how she managed to catch onto the words.

“She loved old songs – loved hearing them and occasionally singing them.”

And now four years following Nellie’s passing, her daughter is organising a special fundraising night to help promote the objectives of the local Alzheimer’s Society. It’s the third such event organised by Evelyn and one that in its own way represents a tribute to her mother.

One of eight children, Nellie was born in Drumany, Letterkenny, to Maggie Hegarty and James Duffy V.C.

She worked locally in a factory and married Bobby O’Donnell when she was nineteen years of age.

“’She Moved Thru’ the Fair’ was sang at their wedding and she loved that song too.”

The O’Donnells went on to have nine children including one of the county’s finest singers, Evelyn Gallagher.

Dementia took hold gradually. “She had it for around fifteen years. I saw changes in her behaviour around 2008 but of course not having the knowledge of it we just brushed it off.

“She loved going down to the Clanree Hotel for a wee brandy but then there was a change in that. We’d get her all dressed up to go out for she loved nothing more than dressing up and going out. But then she wouldn’t want to go out and we thought there’s something badly wrong here.”

Other indicators became apparent during that painful and laborious journey to realisation and diagnosis.

“There were different things like she would be cutting down plants and burning papers. Again we weren’t sure – it was just a gradual process.”

Dementia was finally diagnosed – the shock of it still devastating despite those tell-tale signs.

“Dementia patients can come out with anything and say anything but when you understand it and realise that they have no control over it, you know that that’s all part of it.”

Evelyn and her family’s understanding of the condition was made easier through the support they received from the Donegal branch of the Alzheimer’s Society.

“There are courses for carers and that helped cope with it while understanding my mother’s behaviour,” acknowledges Evelyn.

There are also Alzheimer’s get-togethers in the Silver Tassie Hotel and previously in St. Conal’s Hospital where families affected can go along.

“The late Hughie McLean would perform at them along with the likes of Percy Robinson and Dessie Crerand. And apart from the music, there’s be tea and refreshments and plenty of chat.”

Remembering her mother as a “very intelligent woman”, Evelyn recalled some funny moments that live on with her.

“If she was offered a cup of tea in a pub, she would not be best pleased. She’d want a brandy.

“We’d always give her a small sip of it well diluted and it had to be in a brandy glass or if not, she wouldn’t be too happy.”

Exactly a year after Nellie’s passing in 2021 at the age of 96, Evelyn released the song ‘Sometimes’ penned by Charlie McGettigan and Paul Gurney, especially written with Alzheimer’s as its theme.

Meanwhile, for those carers who have a loved one affected by the condition – it’s estimated there are close to 2,500 people in Donegal living with dementia – there is a contact number if you are seeking help: 074-91 32440.

GESTURE

As a gesture of thanksgiving and to help raise awareness, Evelyn Gallagher is organising a night of music and dancing with all proceeds going to the Donegal branch of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

The event, featuring some of the locality’s best known musical talent, will take place in the Station House Hotel in Letterkenny on Friday, August 22.

Among the singersmusicians taking part are Martin Orr, Hugh McLean Jnr., Caz Hunter, and Raymond McIntyre. And not forgetting the chief organiser, Evelyn, and the house band members who include Joey McDaid, Malcolm Patton, Thomas Black, Raymond McDonald, Dan McAteer, Percy Robinson, and Dessie Crerand.

MC for the occasion is Tommy Rosney and a jiving competition on the night will add to the entertainment.

The competition cup is being sponsored by Joey and Rose McDaid while the engraving has been sponsored by Brian McCormick Sports and Leisure. Other businesses backing the event include the Dry Arch Complex and Browne Printers.

“It’s sure to be a great night and apart from anything will be supporting a great cause,” says Evelyn

Admission is €10 that can be paid at the door on the night.