“Since 2021, I am proud to have released three new songs. I’m still using JAWS, a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows, to write the lyrics. At the end of 2021, I released “They Made Me Famous”. Like “This is My Family” and “Me and My Friends”, it was inspired by my loved ones. It’s about having a great support network and the help of family and friends. I worked again with Peter Fitzpatrick. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the other songs we created together were done virtually. However, for this song, we were able to meet in person for some of the recording. It was great to be face-to-face after all this time working together. I wrote the lyrics and sang. Peter helped me compose the music and sang backing vocals.

I also started working with another fantastic musician, Neil Yourel. Neil is a brilliant keyboard player. He assists me with the music, finding notes and melodies I like. I’ll listen to what he is playing and then play it back with Neil’s guidance.

Unfortunately, after releasing those songs, I went through a bad patch of depression. I struggled for a while, but my music writing helped me get through. It was the inspiration for my latest song ‘This is It’. I wanted to create an upbeat, disco-style song with a positive message about the future. To let people know it’s okay.  The song focuses on the new me, finding my voice to sing again, and concentrating on better things to come. It gave me a great lift during a difficult time, and I was proud to release the song last year.

Since I shared my story, I completed my training to be a facilitator on Enable Ireland’s Virtual Adults Services. The service offers lots of different activities throughout the week. Like a ‘Film Friday’ session. They also provide regular webinars on human rights, exercise and other topics.

I am a big techy, and I’m fortunate that I now get to share this interest with others. Every Wednesday, I host a ‘Tech Hour’ on Microsoft Teams for the Virtual Service. Enable Ireland Service Owners from across the country join me to learn about technology.  It could be anything from robots, to music or how to use different devices. In the role, I also support service owners with their technology problems. I love helping them out!  The flexibility of the role is really good. I’ve been working with the virtual service for four years now.

My biggest passion will always be music. ‘This Is It’ has become the song I go to if I’m feeling down. It lifts my mood if I am struggling and inspires me.  I’m now about to start working on a new album with Peter and Neil. My personal life experiences continue to be my inspiration. I wait until I get a few lyrics in my head and then I write them all together. My music helps me. It gets me through the day. I hope the songs will motivate others too and help them feel happy and positive.”