Retired Laois principal wants more people to dance and Sing For Joy

A retired Laois principal has become an all-singing all-dancing community hero, who wants to share the joy of music with all, particularly people living with physical and mental challenges.

With her Spotify playlist ranging from ABBA to Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift to Madonna, Maureen Culleton's Sing For Joy group is ready to rock, every week, with a welcome for more members.

Maureen is the retired principal of Ballyfin National School, where she went to school herself as a child.

A renowned Irish dancing teacher she began Irish dancing at the age of four, and teaches the same style of traditional dance to the present day, both in her own Rambling House in Ballyfin, and all over the world including Europe, Florida & Japan.

Watch Maureen teaching dancing in her famed tricolour skirt at the 2024 National Ploughing Championships in Laois.

She also has a love of singing, and a passion for supporting people with disabilities to meet their potential.

After she retired as principal, Maureen went on to work in a different role for another nine years, supporting children with special needs in Scoil Bhride NS in Knockmay, Portlaoise.

"That was the icing on my career," she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Maureen stepped into the Leinster Express offices in Portlaoise this week to spread the word on her other passion, as host of the Sing For Joy choir.

The choir meets every Wednesday, from 11am to 12 noon in St Mary's Hall, Portlaoise. It has an all-inclusive ethos, with many of the singers brought to the group by their carers, to sing together for the pure joy of it. Other members are welcome to join, be they experiencing mental health issues, or simply in need of some company. 

Maureen Culleton with PJ Delaney, member of the Sing For Joy choir.

"We have about 53 members. We sing together and some sing solo. We dance a bit and we have great fun.

"It's going for at least 12 years now. It was the brainchild of Storm Powell when she was director of Laois Partnership. The LOETB are our governing body and fund us. We also get support from Creative Ireland and Portlaoise Lions Club kindly give a donation to our Christmas parties.

"It's open to anyone in Laois and beyond. We have people who come from Athy, Tullamore, even a chap from Dublin at one stage. Many hubs in Mountmellick, Portarlington, Athy and Tullamore take part.

"There's no audition. Anyone can come along, register and join in.  It just brings out the best of people and gives them confidence," Maureen said.

To enquire about Sing For Joy, email her on seanchistin@gmail.com or call Maureen on 087 6482038.