Wise Roots festival held at St John’s Community Hospital

The Irish Summer showers did not dampen spirits in St. John’s Community Hospital recently, with the hosting of the first ‘Wise Roots’ age friendly festival. 

In fact the event was such a success, it has been decided it will become an annual event.

Residents, patients, staff, families and friends old and new, gathered to enjoy the musical talents from local legends and meander through the craft stands from creative artists. Please see link to video of the festival- https://youtu.be/Dnfri3NxJsM

Bridget and Tabby Callaghan opened the music main stage with an energetic performance that had the hospital rocking. The Kelly family followed with a toe tapping traditional music session that seen some avid dancers take to their feet.

The Sligo Age Friendly ambassador, Sandy Kelly, was the headline act with an array of memorable songs for all to enjoy. Sandy sang a duet with a resident and a family member, and made a touching tribute to her late mother who was cared for in St John’s Community Hospital many years ago. Sandy stated ‘St John’s has a special place in her heart’.  The Sligo-Leitrim Filipino Association Dancers wowed the crowd in colourful costumes with a traditional, and cultural Philippine folk dance called Singkil. To wrap up the show, St John’s Community Hospital own hospital superstar Seamie Cawley performed some classics with a little help from Ruby, a great granddaughter from one of the residents.

The Garden Room hosted an array of stalls, with an art gallery, face painting, hair braiding, cultural cuisines, taster facials, and crafts and plants created by the residents in St John’s Community Hospital on sale.

The Kiltimagh pet farm showcased a number of small animals that went down a treat with young and old, with some close encounters with reptiles making for memorable photographs!  The food hall served burgers and ice cream, with a fantastic bake sale ensuring nobody left without a sweet treat in hand! Sligo Rose, Megan McCormack made a special appearance to the former workplace of her grandmother Phil McCormack, with residents, patients and staff all wishing Megan the very best of luck as she prepares for her trip to the Dome in Co. Kerry this summer.

Nicola Scanlon Fox, Director of Nursing at St. John’s Community Hospital said

“The ‘Wise Roots’ festival was months in planning, with a committee established to ensure a memorable day was organised for all to enjoy.  The atmosphere was amazing through all areas of the hospital, with heart-warming scenes of residents and their families making memories and enjoying an afternoon of entertainment.  A huge heartfelt thank you to all our musicians and artists and all staff who participated. Staff were rewarded for their hours of planning and organising with remarkable job satisfaction to see the event plans come to reality. The feedback from the festival is extremely positive and the requests for an annual event will have to be honoured, therefore we are committed to making ‘Wise Roots 2025’ another memorable event on the St John’s Community Hospital social calendar.”