23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
North Cork music group dazzle in video screening at Gate Cinema of recent Neurodiversity Week gig
The band eloquently named The Bandmates were formed two years ago and with the support of the Horizon's centre, were presented with the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience.
After weeks of rehearsals, Bandmates performed a rendition of Fix You by Coldplay to the students and staff at Scoil Ghobnatan as part of Neurodiversity Week Ireland in March.
The video of the performance was premiered at Mallow's Gate Cinema recently.
Horizons staff member Finbarr Murray said 'music united complete strangers' on the day.
'Music united complete strangers that day, bridging the gap between those with intellectual disabilities and those without, bringing us together as one and that's what Bandmates has always been about.'
Finbarr captured the performance along with the preparations leading up to the event.
A red carpet was rolled out for stars of the video including their family, friends and pupils and staff from Scoil Ghobnatan.
Bandmates member Shaunna McGowan said she hoped their performance would inspire the pupils of Scoil Ghobnatan to follow their dreams.
Fellow band member Euan Pickard said about his own experience at Horizons:
'I do feel different, but I love myself. I love my life and that I can come into Horizons and do stuff. Don't feel sorry for me because I don't. I'm happy being me.
The video is available on YouTube (
