Watch: 'Don't Worry Be Happy' is the message from Finn Valley Men's Choir

The Finn Valley Men's Choir delighted guests at the launch of the Bealtaine Festival with their uplifting renditions of some well-known songs.

Under the musical direction of Alice Gildea, the men epitomised the spirit of the festival which celebrates older people and promotes positive and physical health in the older generation.

The choir was established in 2018 and its members are all retired men from both sides of the border. Their joy in music and performance put a smile on everyone's face, and their camaraderie and friendship was also apparent.

Alice said: "We couldn't sing together for the last few years because of Covid. We got back together in October and we sang at events over Christmas and at Brinley Manor Nursing Home and Killygordon Day Centre."

They are looking forward to playing to a home audience in the Balor Theatre on June 23. 

Before that, the men are taking part in an event which in recent weeks has taken on a whole new meaning for them. 

"We were invited to take part in 'Let's Talk About Cancer' in the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon on May 13," said Alice.

"This will be very special for us because we will be paying our respects to our dear friend and choir member, Seamus Tinney from Castlefin, who we lost two weeks ago to cancer."

The men in the choir have developed a strong bond, and this is an important part of what it represents.

Alice said: "It is so good for mental health. We usually rehearse for an hour, then take half an hour break where we have tea and a chat before rehearsing again for another half hour.

"There is such a feel-good factor, you won't be bored coming to see us!"