I hadn’t seen my friends Don O’Neill, fashion designer and his husband Paschal Guillermie for a while.

After spending nearly 30 years designing exquisite Thea gowns for beautiful women walking the red carpet in New York, the couple have come home to Ballyheigue in Co Kerry. Consequently, I see more of them.

A few weeks back, Julie secured two tickets for Jack O’Rourke in concert along with Anna Mitchell and the Blarney Community Choir.

Emma Langford, singer, and cellist Aisling Fitzpatrick were also Jack’s guests for one of the Everyman After Dark events at the Everyman Theatre, Cork. Julie invited me along.

My sister-in-law, Mairead O’Leary sings with the Blarney Choir and we wanted to support her. The members had been rehearsing for the gig for quite a while under the directorship of Anna.

I was thrilled to be able to attend with Julie. Don and Paschal were also in Cork to support Mairead. We had a lovely evening.

Jack was a class ahead of Julie in Coláiste Choilm. His rising stardom playing the piano was evident back then when he accompanied the orchestra for the various school musicals.

After one such school performance, Julie asked me if I’d give Jack a lift home. At his front door, I realised that his mum and I had been in boarding school together.

The early acquaintances we make in our young lives are indeed precious. The sharing of a dormitory or classroom leads to a special camaraderie for life. It is the first experience of community. I’ve been a fan of Jack’s since then but hadn’t seen him in concert for some time.

Jack has a commanding presence on stage. His relaxed style is unique and his lyrics are profound, emotional and always thought provoking. The Blarney Community Choir, in full voice lifted Jack’s music to a higher plane.

Other artists’ songs were performed too. They included songs from Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Joni Mitchell and John Prine.

Opera on the top floor

Jack gave introductions to all the songs. ‘Opera on the top floor’ from Jack’s album, Wild Place really resonated with me.

It’s the story of a publican, the late Michael O’Connor who ran Mike the Pies bar in Listowel. His nephew, Aiden O’Connor now owns and runs the lively and popular bar and intimate music venue. Jack had been doing a gig there one night.

It is sad that people are prevented from living their authentic lives because a small section of society refuses to accept difference. The miracle of life unfolds in every human being. It should be embraced and not judged

When the evening was over Aiden invited Jack up to the attic to see a locked and private room that was the sanctuary of his uncle when his bar work was done. Here Michael engrossed himself in his private passion which was listening to and collecting opera music on vinyl.

He had everything from Wagner to Mahler and he was also a brilliant artist and painted behind closed doors. My first reaction to this story was definitely sadness that a man felt he could not admit his artistic secrets.

He must have been lonely. When Aiden shared the story with Jack, it inspired Jack to write this most beautiful song. Look it up and enjoy it.

Pride Week

The following week I found myself at my first Pride event during Pride Week.

The invitation came from Don as he was one of the guest speakers at a very intimate event where six people spoke about their journey to being able to live their personal authentic lives with their sexual orientation declared within their families and community.

This event was a safe space so I honour that privacy. Nevertheless, I will say that the suffering that people endured in the past was awful.

Things are better now. Communities can do a lot to be inclusive by exploring subjects. I think it is important if you suspect someone maybe gay or lesbian to ask the question and consequently encourage them to come out.

At the concert, John Prine’s song ‘Some humans ain’t human, some people ain’t kind’ was performed. It sums up the human race.

It is sad that people are prevented from living their authentic lives because a small section of society refuses to accept difference. The miracle of life unfolds in every human being. It should be embraced and not judged.

Life is too short to make others miserable. The theme of this year’s Pride Week was unity in the community. It’s a good motto for us all.