FCI Patron Mary Kennedy Releases Charity Single

For the songwriter life is a series of moments when a song can begin life. “Life is a Beautiful Dance” began for internationally successful songwriter, Don Mescall, as he was watching Dancing with the Stars with his 96 years young mother in Ahane, Co Limerick.

"I happened to catch my good friend, the lovely Mary Kennedy, dancing a beautiful waltz with her partner John Nolan. I remembered my Mother telling me that herself and my late father would always find time before he left for work every morning to waltz on the kitchen tiles. That was where the idea came for the song. As I watched Mary and John dancing and visualised my Mother and Father." 

Having made a demo of the song in his Cavan studio Don then hit on the idea of asking Mary, and her sister Deirdre to record the song as a Christmas single for Charity.

“When Don phoned me to say he had composed a song for me, I was surprised and genuinely honoured,” Mary enthuses.  “He is a hugely talented songwriter and I have admired his work since I met him a few years ago to film with him for Nationwide. ‘Life is a Beautiful Dance’ is a lovely reminder for me of a life enhancing experience on DWTS with the amazingly talented John Nolan.  I was delighted to have the opportunity to record this with my dear  sister Deirdre. Together we decided to use it to raise money for Family Carers Ireland, a charity close to my heart.”

Deirdre is a singer songwriter with several CDs to her credit. She lives on Inis Mór and also works as a retreat facilitator. She was delighted to be invited to record the song.

“Its such a special thing to sing a song together and given its message and melody it will hopefully cheer the hearts of many and get them dancing in their homes, streets  and communities.”

Don used the talents of many wonderful musicians and because of Covid it became a very international production. He is delighted with the result and hopes to raise much needed funds for Family Carers Ireland

“It was such a joy writing this song for Mary and Deirdre. The production is really a credit to all the wonderful musicians who gave their time and talent so generously for this wonderful charity,” he added.

For Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland, the song comes as an early Christmas boost.

“Being a family carer is a difficult job but one done with willingness and love. This year has been particularly hard for many of our 355,000 carers. Times have been very difficult and there has been a huge increase in demand on our Hardship Fund so money raised through this song will be a very welcome boost. Mary has been our Patron for many years and we are delighted that she, Deirdre and Don chose to support us.” 

“And I love the song,” she added.

You can stream “Life is a Beautiful Dance” or download for 99 cent here.