Friend of Evelyn Gallagher pens heartwarming poem for Letterkenny charity night

Mary Teresa Gallagher wrote a meaningful poem for her friend Evelyn Gallagher ahead of a charity music night in Letterkenny.

Singer Evelyn, known for being in the showband Evelyn and the Envoys, organised a night of music and dancing in the Station House Hotel last Friday night. All proceeds from the night went to the Donegal branch of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

The music night was Evelyn's third event for the charity. The Dromore woman has been a keen supporter of the charity since she lost her mum, Nellie O’Donnell, to Alzheimer’s disease in January 2021.

Evelyn performed with the house band members Joey McDaid, Malcolm Patton, Thomas Black, Raymond McDonald, Dan McAteer, Percy Robinson, and Dessie Crerand. There were also performances by Martin Orr, Hugh McLean Jnr, Caz Hunter, and Raymond McIntyre.

Mary Teresa penned a heartwarming poem entitled ‘Donegal's Dance: A Poem for Alzheimer's’ for the big night, which can be read below:

Donegal's Dance: A Poem for Alzheimer's

In Donegal's embrace, where memories ignite, A dance for Alzheimer's, burning ever bright.
Hearts touched by shadows, near and distant souls, Gather tonight beneath the evening's gentle roles.

The Station House calls, with melodies so sweet, Honoring those we cherish, with rhythmic, tender feet.
Each step a tribute, a loving, heartfelt sign, For faces fading, in this cause so divine.

Evelyn's spirit guides us, with friends so true, A worthy cause, a plea from me to you.
The band plays softly, stories gently told, In every rhythm, memories unfold.

Tommy Rosney's charm fills the air with glee, Jivers twirl, a vibrant tapestry.
A celebration of life, in colors so grand, For those we cherish, in this beloved land.

Ten euros at the door, a gift from the heart, To lift the shadows, where love plays its part.
The Alzheimer's Society, a beacon in the night, Guiding lost souls, towards the healing light.

"Remember those who cannot remember," we pray, In every action, in every gentle way.
Their spirits linger, in the softest breeze, Whispering comfort, through the rustling trees.

For your dear mother, whose love will never fade, Her memory dances, in this grand parade.
Though years may pass, her presence stays so near, A guiding angel, banishing all fear.

Close to our hearts, this cause we hold so dear, For every family, shedding a silent tear.
We stand together, with strength and with grace, To find a cure, and brighten every face.

In Letterkenny's warmth, our sacred ground we find, Where love and compassion forever bind.
Tonight we dance, with purpose in our stride, For those we remember, forever by our side.

As we prepare for tomorrow night, hearts open wide, The Station House awaits, with love as our guide.
Supporting Alzheimer’s, a cause so true, For my mother had Alzheimer’s and it's a cause close to my heart.

I know many others had it and many others have it

I'm glad to donate, with all of my heart, Thank you, Evelyn, for giving us a part.
This poem I write, with support and with care, For what it means to me, beyond compare.

Composed and written by Mary Teresa Gallagher, August 21, 2025. © Mary Teresa Gallagher 2025, All Rights Reserved.