Irish Men’s Sheds, funded by Healthy Ireland, joined forces with the Irish Hospice Foundation in 2023 to explore how Sheds nationwide could support their communities in working creatively to reduce the impact of grief. Musician Mike Hanrahan and Westport Men’s Shed in Mayo engaged in a musical creative collaboration. This resulted in a gorgeous song ‘Wishing You Were Here’ just in time for Christmas 2023.

Commenting on the song, Rebecca McLaughlin, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Irish Men's Sheds, said: “I am so proud of Westport Men’s Shed who offer us this ‘gift’ at Christmas with their individual ‘take’ on what the season means to them. I love that this group includes Men who had never sung before, and others who started learning the guitar only recently – it’s inspiring. I have no doubt this song will resonate with many people. There is a Shed out there for every man, I encourage anyone if they know someone who might benefit from being part of a Shed – give the gift of connection this Christmas, offer them the telephone number for their local Shed available on: www.menssheds.ie.”

Lyrics

Holly and the ivy
Fields of fallen snow
Friends and neighbours in their homes
Candle in the window to light an empty chair
Kneel and say a little prayer

We hear the children’s laughter
We see it in their eyes
The little crib you made still shines
Every year through songs and old stories re-told
Memories unfold

The sweet smell of turf from an open fire
Dealing cards for a game of twenty-five
Wren boys at the door with their wren boy rhymes
Memories that bind at this Christmas time

Wishing you were here
To see the children play
To see you fill that empty chair
See you pull a cracker and wear a paper hat
We’d give everything for that

Mary’s flying in
From Australia
Mike is coming in on the train
And when the church bells right we’ll sing out auld lang syne
Hope we’ll meet again next time
Sleep in heavenly peace


About Irish Hospice Foundation

Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is a national charity that addresses dying, death and bereavement in Ireland. Our vision is an Ireland where people facing end of life or bereavement, and those who care for them, are provided with the care and support that they need.

Visit our website to learn more about our programmes and services: https://hospicefoundation.ie/

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