Proceeds from upcoming one-woman show in Dundalk to go to Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Michigan author Breeda Kelly Miller, brings the poignant one-woman award-winning play, “Mrs Kelly's Journey Home” to Dundalk in September, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI).

The play, written and performed by Miller, pays tribute to her late mother, Mary Kelly, who passed away after living with dementia.

Ms Miller portrays her mother in the live performance which serves as a heartfelt love letter to her life, charting her immigration journey from Ireland to America.

Ms Miller said: “It is an honour to bring my Mother’s story to a stage in the country where she was raised. I have such an affinity with Ireland, and Irish audiences are always a joy.”

Breeda cared for her mother for six years throughout her dementia journey until her death in 2011. She has a strong connection to Ireland; her parents are Irish and her older siblings were born in Ireland.

After her mother's death, Breeda became a nationally known speaker, raising awareness and supporting the importance of self-care for caregivers.

She is the author of the book, The Caregiver Coffeebreak. Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home was named winner of the Wilde Award for the best one-person show of 2021-22 by EncoreMichigan, the leading theater news organization in Michigan.

There are 64,000 people live with dementia in Ireland, with an estimated 578 people living with dementia in Louth.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is Ireland's leading dementia-specific service provider. It works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia-specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers.

A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates, empowers and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services.

It also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline offering information and support to anyone affected by dementia on 1800 341 341.

Regional Fundraising Coordinator Eila Flynn at The ASI said: “We’re thrilled that Breeda chose to donate the proceeds of her Dundalk run to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. It will help us to continue to provide high-quality supports and services to people living with dementia and their families in the region.”

Mrs Kelly’s Journey Home will run on Friday 22 September at An Táin Arts Centre. Tickets are on sale now at www.antain.ie.