Mayo-based country singer Gerry Guthrie received a warm welcome when he performed for the residents of St Brendan’s HSE Community Nursing Unit in Loughrea. It was an afternoon to cherish for the staff and residents, as Gerry got the Bealtaine festival, which is celebrated throughout the month of May, off to a flying start.

Bernie Austin, director of Nursing at St Brendan’s HSE CNU, commented: “There was great excitement when we heard Gerry was coming to perform. We had such a fantastic day and we are very grateful to him for taking time out of his busy schedule to drop by.

“Residents and staff were delighted to have their photos taken with Gerry and he was an absolute gentleman, chatting to them all and performing his hits and other well-known songs. He had everyone up dancing all afternoon. The residents are still talking about the visit, saying it’s a day they won’t forget in a hurry.”

Family members and local country music fans didn’t want to miss out on the live entertainment. The foyer of St Brendan’s was a symphony of chatter, singing and laughter all afternoon. Between jives, the quickstep and waltzes, the place was buzzing as Loughrea went country in style.

Catherine Cunningham, area manager for Galway and Roscommon, said: “We are extremely thankful to Gerry for his generosity and kindness. Many of our residents have spent their lives listening to country music. They sang to it, danced to it and some even met their husbands or wives at the old dance halls where country musicians played. Gerry’s performance would have brought back many happy memories for them.”

Mary Kelly, resident at St Brendan’s Community Nursing Unit, said: “I really enjoyed the day. It brought me back to the days when I used to go dancing to the big bands. Gerry is a very nice and pleasant young man, lovely to talk to and he has a wonderful smile. He is a lovely singer and I would love to see him again.”

The Ballina man was thrilled with the warmth of the response to his visit. “These are days that you feel privileged to be associated with the music scene. These people are salt of the earth. They have seen life from all sides. It is wonderful to be in a position where you can bring joy into their lives with songs and music. Everyone made me feel so welcome on this visit to St Brendan’s. It was a truly special day for all of us,” said a delighted Gerry.

Gerry has a busy summer lined up with his band, with numerous dates around Ireland as well as shows in the UK, Spain and Portugal. They recently returned from a tour of Scotland. Gerry is well advanced on his latest album, the follow-up to Good Country Songs which won album of year 2013 at the Irish County Sound Entertainment Awards.

The accomplished musician and entertainer, described by Big Tom as a “true county singer”, is managed by Mainliners band leader Henry McMahon.

Gerry and his band are playing in the Millbrook Lodge, Ballynahinch, Co Down, on this Friday, Tullyglass House, Ballymena, on Saturday, The Times Hotel, Tipperary, on Sunday and in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, on Monday, 26 May.