Spillane wants Cork to be a great place to grow old in

“There are almost 30,000 people aged over 65 living in Cork city and it’s essential that we spread the ‘age friendly’ message to ensure that Cork remains a great place to grow old in.”

Those were the words of award-winning musician and songwriter John Spillane yesterday after he was named Cork’s new Age Friendly Ambassador.

The voluntary role is designed to raise awareness of age friendly practices supporting our aging population, both locally and nationally.

Mr Spillane will take up the role, which was formerly held by John Mullins, who sadly passed away suddenly earlier this year.

Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan said: "We are honoured to welcome John Spillane as the new Age Friendly Ambassador for Cork City, a position previously carried out with great dedication by the late John Mullins.

“The sad passing of Mr Mullins leaves a wonderful legacy, upon which we know that Mr Spillane will build as he now takes up the mantle. Cork city and its people who engage with and enjoy the Age Friendly programme will benefit hugely from John’s involvement.

“We are very grateful that he has accepted this voluntary role, to which, we know, he will bring his own unique contribution and we very much look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

Mr Spillane added: “I was honoured to be asked to represent the Age Friendly Programme on behalf of the people of Cork. I look forward to promoting positive aging initiatives in Cork.”

Age Friendly Ambassadors take action to help raise awareness and spread the ‘age friendly’ message to others.

Mr Spillane, a Cork native, brings a passion for representing his native city to the role.

He will represent Cork nationally at Age Friendly Ireland events alongside 30 other national figures from across the cultural, business and sporting spheres, all supporting our shared positive ageing messages.