08-06-2025
Late Cork man's posthumously-produced play reaps windfall for vital day centre Cuan Álainn
Seán Buckley's involvement with the Sheltered Housing and Day Care Centre began in 1999 when a group of people got together with the ambition to establish these amenities for people from Ballydesmond and surrounding areas. A committee was duly formed with Seán appointed as Chairman, a role he fulfilled until his death in 2023.
Twelve houses and the day centre were built to Seán's design with the first residents moving in during October 2002.
Mary O' Riordan, Committee member said: 'We thank Seán for his vision, hard work, dedication, wit and wisdom. Two others from our committee Tim Murphy and Pádraig Leader have also passed away RIP.'
Cuan Álainn Day Centre opened on Tuesdays and Thursdays in 2004 and continued until the Covid 19 lockdown in 2020. Post Covid, the Centre operates on Tuesdays only.
Mary O' Riordan explained: 'Our day consists of morning tea and currant cake, Mass or Rosary, a freshly cooked nutritious lunch, fun exercises, story telling and Bingo. We offer a chiropody service as well as transport to and from the centre. We provide care and attention in a warm and comfortable setting. We are extremely grateful to Seán's family for donating the proceeds from the night in the Community Centre to Cuan Álainn Day Centre.'
Although Seán Buckley's play has been staged posthumously, his family recalls that he always kept a diary, avidly read the newspapers and was always 'scribbling'. Before he passed away in 2023, he revealed that he had penned a play.
Throughout his working life, Seán was friendly with Tadhg O'Keeffe of Banteer Drama Group and this cast of talented actors subsequently staged 'Roger's Final Farewell' to full house audiences over 11 nights at the Glen Theatre, Banteer. The Group later brought the play to Seán's native Ballydesmond to great acclaim.
Tadhg O'Keeffe of Banteer Drama Group described Seán Buckley as a man of many talents, gifted in the arenas of building, architecture, plumbing and electrical work which he ably demonstrated in the family business over his lifetime. Seán was a staunch advocate for animal rights and established a sanctuary for various animals at Coolwood, Killarney. 'Most people were not aware that Seán was also a talented writer, as he ably demonstrated when he penned this play,' Tadhg said.
'Roger's Final Farewell' will be staged at the Everyman Theatre, Cork, by Banteer Drama Group on Sunday, September 7th.
