Bluebird Care National Anthem - "As Bluebird's Fly"
A poem written in gratitude for the people who provided his care at home has inspired an original song for Dublin author Patrick Clifford.
“As Bluebirds Fly”, inspired by Patrick’s words and created, produced and directed by musician and songwriter @paulbrynemusic of In Tua Tua, was brought to life for a special performance at Rua Red South Dublin Arts Centre in Tallaght on 27th August.
At the heart of the song is a simple but powerful message: the difference that compassionate care and support can make to someone’s life.
A Poem Inspired By Care
Patrick, an author from Walkinstown in Dublin, lives independently in his own apartment with an acquired brain injury and Parkinson’s disease. He is supported each day by the Bluebird Care Dublin South West team, with his care managed by his primary carer, Samantha Carroll.
Writing has long been an important part of Patrick’s life. Having previously written poems for other people who have supported him, Patrick decided he wanted to put into words what his care team mean to him.
The result was a poem celebrating the people who help him continue living independently at home.
The song is about how important home help is to a person who needs it, and the difference it makes both mentally and physically. It gives you confidence and it takes away stress and anxiety, and it means having someone there to suit your needs.
It is a song of hope, joy, and gratitude. To have it produced in this way is very special to me.
His poem was later shared with Paul Byrne, musician, songwriter, producer and founder of In Tua Tua, who developed Patrick’s words into “As Bluebirds Fly”
Using imagery inspired by nature, the song reflects a journey through life and the difference having the right care and support alongside you can make.
Bringing Patrick’s Words to Life
For Paul Byrne, transforming the poem into a song was an opportunity to celebrate both Patrick’s creativity and the relationship he has developed with the people supporting him.
When Patrick first brough his poem to us, we were thrilled that he would think to write a poem about the service we provide him. We are even happier that we have been able to bring Patrick’s original words to life through music and song.
Paul has a long history within Irish music. As a founder member of In Tua Tua, the band’s debut single “Coming Thru” became the first release on U2’s Mother Records.
For the special performance of “As Bluebirds Fly”, Paul was joined by gospel choir, giving Patrick the opportunity to hear the piece inspired by his words brought fully to life.
Patrick’s Remarkable Writing Journey
Patrick’s own journey as a writer is every bit as remarkable as the story behind the song.
He left school in Walkinstown at the age of 14 without a second-level education. Later, a road traffic accident resulted in an acquired brain injury and multiple other injuries, followed by three years of rehabilitation before he was able to walk again.
Patrick eventually returned to education through a two-hour-a-week adult English class before going on to complete both his Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate as an adult.
Writing became an increasingly important part of his life.
Patrick has now published six books, with a seventh due to be launched in February 2027, and has written more than 200 poems and songs over recent years.
He has also spent many years encouraging other people to discover writing for themselves, co-facilitating creative writing groups and supporting people to tell stories based on their own experiences.
Following a later diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, Patrick now uses a wheelchair most of the time. His Parkinson’s symptoms affect his speech, so he communicates and answers questions primarily through writing - making the written word an even more significant meaning of expression.
A Shared Moment Celebrating the Meaning of Care
The first performance of “As Bluebirds Fly” formed part of “Patrick Clifford in Poetry and Song”, a special evening hosted by broadcaster and Bluebird Care National Awareness Partner Teresa Mannion.
Patrick’s family and friends were joined by members of his care team, Bluebird Care partners and representatives from the HSE for an evening celebrating his poetry, music and extraordinary personal story.
For Bluebird Care Ireland, the occasion also offered an opportunity to recognise the relationships that develop between Care Professionals and the people they support.
The legacy of care is always inspiring. For us at Bluebird Care and our National Networks, we listen and we learn from human endeavours and endurance.
Patrick is a very special individual and has expressed his admiration for the wonderful care team that have supported him throughout this period of his life. I wish to thank Paul Caskey, Samantha Carroll and the care team at Dublin South West for facilitating this shared moment. A shared moment expressing the meaning of care - Phil Donnelly, Head of Marketing, Bluebird Care Ireland
Supporting People to Continue their Own Story at Home
Patrick’s story demonstrates that care at home can mean much more than providing practical support.
For many people, the right care can provide confidence, companionship, and reassurance. It can support independence and enable someone to continue living in familiar surroundings, following their interests and doing the things that give their life meaning.
For Patrick, one of those things is writing.
And with “As Bluebird Fly”, words originally written as a personal thank you to the people caring for him have become something that can now be shared far beyond his home.
A song of hope, joy and gratitude - and a celebration of the relationships that make care at home so special.
Patrick Clifford
Patrick Clifford
/
Dublin
