Mayor says he’s, 'Never seen anything like it' as residents of Ferrybank nursing home star in film

A red carpet was rolled out for the residents of Signacare, Ferrybank, at a screening of a new film, First Love.

Mayor of Kilkenny, John Coonan, was in attendance. In a small speech he explained that he worked as a nurse for 20 years and he has “never seen anything like this.” 

He said, “it's something very special” and gave a round of applause for the staff.

Rebecca Ellickson, Director of Nursing, said that residents brought “humour, personality and heart” to the project.

The short film was produced by Jack Reardon of Up Till Dawn Productions in collaboration with Creative Ireland. It tells the story of a man (Ronan Wilmot) living in a nursing home who falls in love with a woman (Mary McDermott) from his youth. Little does he know she has a secret of her own.

The film touches upon the themes of dementia, marriage and acceptance. 

One resident, Mary Hale, said, “It would make you cry.” 

The film also garnered a few laughs from the audience, too, though. The mention of the Ballerina Ballroom sparked a few giggles, not least from Mayor John Coonan.

One of the residents, Ann Carberry, attending the event said it was, “something a bit different.” 

Indeed, Signacare did not hold back. There was a Prosecco arrival, red carpet, popcorn machine and live pianist making the event feel as glamorous as any film premiere.

Mary Harris, a resident featured in the film, said this was her “first appearance” on the big screen, proving it’s never too late to get your big break.

Friends and family members also attended the event. Sisters Alva and Gay came to see their mother, Ann O’Neill, featured in the film. Ann will be living in Signacare for four years this November and is “very happy” there. 

“She loves company,” Alva added.

However, the event was also an emotional one for many. Alva and Joy explained, “For us it's hard because our parents were here together.” 

Ann’s husband passed away in 2023 but since then she has made many friends in the care facility.

According to her daughters, she does not like bingo because, “bingo is for old people”. Ann is eighty-five.

Rebecca Ellickson, Director of Nursing, said a few words before the film began, thanking the staff at Signacare and said the last few months “exceeded all of our expectations”. 

She said the filming and workshops gave her “the chance to see the residents in a new light”. 

Mary Hale also enjoyed the event, especially the live music performed by Gavin Burke. Songs such as “Save the last dance for me” and “Ring of Fire” had everyone singing and clapping along.

Housekeeping supervisor, Louise Bolger Moran, said the film was “absolutely stunning”. 

She said that the process of filming and working with the actors, director and crew was “fabulous from start to finish”. 

The film is available to watch on Signacare’s Facebook page and has over 10k views.

One commenter wrote, “This little film about dementia has truly captured what dementia really is — not only how deeply it affects the person living with it, but also the emotional journey for their loved ones and family members. 

"Watching it brought home so many feelings and reflections. I am also so deeply grateful for the tender, loving care that all the staff at Signa Care are giving my beautiful mother in her hour of need.”